§ 16. Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will take steps to raise in the European Council of Ministers (Energy) Community—assisted home insulation schemes.
§ Dr. John CunninghamA draft EEC directive on the modernisation of existing buildings has already been proposed by the EEC Commission. This proposal is being revised in the light of additional data provided by member States. Substantive discussions will be initiated as soon as this is done.
§ Mr. ArnoldWill the Minister agree that the European Commission has been actively pressing the United Kingdom Government to implement the scheme which was recently approved by the European Parliament, and has expressed some concern about what it sees as unreasonable delay? Will he also confirm that there are no disadvantages to the United Kingdom is adopting this aproach?
§ Dr. CunninghamAs yet, there have been only preliminary considerations in the Council working party, and in no sense is it true to say that there is a finally agreed detailed scheme. While we support the aims of the scheme—that is, more houses insulated and more jobs created—we have questioned some of the 964 figures behind some of the arguments. That is why the detailed work is now going on. But in no sense, especially in view of my right hon. Friend's statement of 12th December, can we be accused of wanting to delay insulating more houses in the United Kingdom.