Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking to reduce energy costs in his Department; and if he will make a statement.

The Scotland Office keeps all costs under rigorous review. The Office has taken a number of steps to reduce energy costs including (a) ensuring central heating is switched off whenever possible, (b) conducting campaigns to raise awareness in staff of the need to reduce energy costs, and (c) when routine repairs and maintenance are being undertaken using the opportunities to modify existing equipment or install more energy efficient ones, and to reduce heat loss.