To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what research he has recently (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated by his Department on the effect of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 on fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement. (189012)

In accordance with the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, in February 2001 the Government launched a consultation draft of the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy and later that year, the finalised strategy (http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file16495.pdf).

Fuel poverty is measured annually, using the results of the English House Conditions Survey (EHCS). The following table shows the approximate number of households living in fuel poverty since 1996.

Figures for 2006 will be available later this year.