To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2006, Official Report, column 501W, on digital switchover, what progress has been made on ensuring that additional energy costs of set-top boxes are reduced; and if she will provide details of the special codes that she intends to introduce. (129117)

I have been asked to reply.

Government and Digital UK, the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK, are working to encourage the reduction of energy consumption for digital TV equipment as far as possible:

We are promoting to consumers the use of digital TVs and set- top boxes with low levels of energy consumption. These can be identified by the “Energy Saving Recommended” logo;

Manufacturers are being encouraged to reduce both the “on” and the “stand-by” power consumption of household appliances through the adoption of design improvements and adherence to maximum power consumption levels set out in the voluntary European Code of Conduct on Energy Efficiency of Digital TV Service Systems;

We are continuing to work with retailers on the development of a voluntary scheme to encourage the purchase of energy efficient consumer electronics, as announced in Budget 2006;

Government are committed to using their own purchasing power to bring forward more sustainable products. For example, set-top boxes provided through the Digital Switchover Help Scheme will be expected to meet the European Code of Conduct on Energy Efficiency of Digital TV Service Systems.