London, Sept.28 : Britain plans to phase out traditional bulbs by 2011.

The Telegraph quoted Environment Secretary Hilary Benn as telling a Labour conference that he wanted to see an end to the sale of 150-watt bulbs from next January.

Less powerful traditional bulbs would be taken off the shelves in stages under the voluntary energy-saving scheme by 2011, he added.

Benn told the conference in Bournemouth: "The major retailers and the energy suppliers are now leading a voluntary initiative with the strong support of the lighting industry and of the government to help phase out traditional, high-energy light bulbs.

Benn estimated that the move would save five million tonnes of CO2 a year and take the UK closer to its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2050.

Greenpeace said most retailers had already agreed to stop selling high-energy bulbs following a campaign of its own.

Benn said he also wanted to see an end to products such as energy-wasting TVs. (With inputs from ANI)