asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if the Government have set up an interdepartmental committee which would co-ordinate the Government's shortterm response to the prospects of serious energy shortages in the winter of 1979 in relation to the consumption of energy by State Departments and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In reply to the previous question I have indicated steps which have been taken to secure in the short term appropriate energy saving measures throughout the public and local authority services. I have also indicated that the position will be kept under review and that the potential of further measures will be considered and evaluated. While there are continuous contacts with other Departments and State bodies in relation to energy saving measures and an interdepartmental committee on energy conservation generally has been in existence, a committee for the specific purpose referred to in the Deputy's question has not so far been established. Should review of existing arrangements indicate that such a committee would make a worthwhile contribution to energy saving in the public service I will, of course, arrange accordingly.

I would add that, as already announced, I am assigning a special role to the IIRS on energy conservation generally and it will be necessary to ensure that any formal arrangements adopted for the public service specifically would fit in with the overall approach on energy conservation.