Loft Insulation

HC Deb 09 February 1987 vol 110 c8

7. Mr. Gareth Wardell

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much money was available for loft insulation grants in Wales in 1986–87; and how much will be made available in 1987–88.

Mr. Mark Robinson

Bids by Welsh local authorities for the homes insulation scheme have been met in full. The sums allocated were £2.7 million for 1986–87 and £2.3 million for 1987–88.

Mr. Wardell

Will the Minister join me in pressing the Government to ensure that there will be no cuts in loft insulation grants, which would be a tremendous blow to energy conservation? Will the Minister press the Government to include draughtproofing as well as insulation in the schemes so that elderly people in receipt of supplementary benefit or housing benefit can be protected from the effects of severe cold?

Mr. Robinson

I have already told the hon. Gentleman that bids for 1987–88 have been met in full. I cannot go beyond that. If the Government plan any changes along the lines mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, the announcement will be made in the appropriate place at the appropriate time.

Mr. Terlezki

What precautions is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that companies engaged in loft insulation work paid for by grants are reputable companies and not cowboys who do not do the job properly?

Mr. Robinson

We issue guidance to local authorities and ask them to pass that guidance to people who make inquiries of them.

Mr. Rowlands

When the Minister said that he had given the local authorities everything for which they had asked, was he aware that the Department responsible for such matters in England was planning to withdraw insulation grants from the overwhelming majority of Welsh homes? Is he aware that there will be no grants to improve loft insulation and to bring insulation up to an adequate level for the overwhelming majority of Welsh households?

Mr. Robinson

The hon. Gentleman is referring to the consultation which the Government are undertaking with regard to the better targeting of home insulation schemes. An announcement will be made at the appropriate time.