asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether all other countries of the European Union have taken action to phase out the manufacture and supply of tungsten filament light bulbs by the year 2011. [HL1167]

Only a limited number of EU countries, including France and Ireland, have indicated publicly that they are considering taking action to phase out inefficient light bulbs ahead of proposed collective action within the EU via a proposed implementing measure under the eco-design of energy-using products framework directive (EuP).

Via EuP the European Commission is currently working to establish mandatory minimum standards for lighting products which, if agreed by member states, will establish minimum energy efficiency standards for light bulbs. Any standard agreed via this route is unlikely to specify what technology must be used to achieve or better that standard. However, in practice any meaningful standard is likely to result in today's highly inefficient tungsten filament light bulbs being unable to be sold without significant improvements being made.

While we do not know the exact timing and scope of the EU's proposals, it is envisaged that a phase-out schedule will be in place by 2009-10, with the phase-out taking place over the following years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether after 2011 it will be legal to import tungsten filament light bulbs from the European Union or third countries to the United Kingdom; and [HL1168]

Whether it will be an offence for householders or commercial and industrial and public authorities to use tungsten filament light bulbs after 2011. [HL1169]

The UK is taking forward a voluntary initiative led by retailers and energy suppliers to phase out the availability of inefficient incandescent light bulbs by 2011, where suitable energy efficient alternatives exist.

The voluntary nature of this initiative will not render it illegal to import and use tungsten filament bulbs after 2011.