§ Order read for resuming adjourned debate on Second Reading [11 February].
2.23 pm§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Morris)Not moved.
§ Lady Olga MaitlandOn a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I was standing.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerDoes the hon. Lady wish to say, "Now", which is the word that I wish to hear?
§ Lady Olga MaitlandNow. I am terribly sorry, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I was unfamiliar with the precise procedure.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerI should be most grateful if the hon. Lady would ensure that she does know the procedure.
§ Lady Olga Maitland (Sutton and Cheam)Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am grateful for your indulgence in permitting me to continue with the Bill. It was launched in the House some weeks ago by the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion), and it relates to a requirement that there should be insulation against heat loss of dwelling units provided by the conversion of existing dwellings and for connected purposes. In short, we are discussing bringing proper energy efficiency, and consequent savings, into the realm of houses and domestic units altogether. The Government are committed to improving energy efficiency in housing as part of their international commitment to reduce this country's carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. It is an ambitious programme, but it does show the degree of the Government's commitment.
Domestic energy accounts for about one quarter of carbon dioxide emissions in this country. The programmes and measures in place to improve and promote energy efficiency across public and private housing sectors are ambitious and imaginative and constitute important improvements.
I wish to mention council housing and I am delighted to see that the Minister for Housing, Inner Cities and Construction is present. The Green House programme has established a network of replicable energy efficiency demonstration projects to encourage local authorities to develop and apply energy efficiency strategies within their housing programmes. It is a useful project. We are well aware of the general principles of energy conservation and, in a rather haphazard fashion, apply them to our homes. When we put lagging in the loft or install double glazing, we make an important start. But we know that our efforts are not as efficient as they might be and that we could probably do more.
As a result of the Green House programme, 180 schemes across 130 authorities have now been completed or are under way, with the funding over the three-year life of the programme totalling £60 million—no short measure of commitment. Overall, schemes are expected to deliver an average carbon dioxide saving of up to 50 per cent.—a considerable saving to our own pockets—and up to 40 per cent. reductions in energy consumption. That will have a significant effect in protecting the environment.
611 From 1993–94 onwards, local authorities are required to include energy efficiency as an integral part of their housing strategies and investment programmes. I am sure that the principle is appreciated, but local authorities need a nudge to make that commitment. Energy efficiency is now one of the factors taken into account in considering the annual housing investment programme allocations.
Interim guidance draws on the lessons of the Green House programme and was issued in 1993 to help authorities and to show ways of maximising scope for cost-effective use of resources. It will be of enormous benefit. We should not consider only council housing. As we now have more diversified assisted housing programmes, we must also consider housing associations that fall within the same remit.
The Housing Corporation's scheme on development standards sets out the corporation's requirements and recommendations for all housing projects that receive housing association grant. It is also the basis on which the corporation will assess associations' performance in developing housing projects. Associations will be required to demonstrate exactly what action they are taking. They must help people appreciate the extent of the programme required.
We should consider the domestic sector. I have particular admiration for the housing energy efficiency scheme, which provides low-income households with advice and grants for insulation and draught-proofing. More than 500,000 homes have been provided with insulation since the scheme began in 1991, which is a high progress rate. The provision of the home energy efficiency scheme for 1994–95 is to be almost doubled and extended to include all householders over the age of 60 and the disabled. Bearing in mind the fact that those people fee] the cold most keenly, that will have a double benefit and I am sure that it will be greatly appreciated.
I should like to expand a little on the home energy efficiency scheme which provides grants for basic energy efficiency measures. It will pay for such measures as loft insulation, tank and pipe lagging, draught proofing and energy advice. In his Budget, my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor helpfully announced that provision for the home energy efficiency scheme was to be almost doubled and extended to pensioners.
§ It being half-past Two o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerDebate to be resumed what day? No day named.