§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether he will consult volnutary agencies such as Friends of the Earth, Durham, in considering a national insulation scheme;
(2) what consideration he has given to the formulation of a national insulation scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OakesThe promotion of insulation in domestic and other premises has been a significant feature of the Government's energy conservation programme. I welcome the efforts of voluntary agencies such as Friends of the Earth, Durham, in organising local insulation schemes. My Department continues to consider further measures to promote insultation, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will take steps to promote the Home Insulation Project Pack produced by Friends of the Earth, Durham, and CSV; and what other steps he is taking to publicise the grants available for insulation.
§ Mr. OakesI welcome this useful addition to the advice available from the Government and other bodies on the value of insulation. My officials will certainly draw the attention of any organisation proposing a community service of this type to the existence of this pack. Financial assistance for insultation is available only in very limited, well defined circumstances from funds controlled by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. In addition, people entitled to supplementary benefit may, under the discretionary powers of the Supplementary Benefits Commission, receive help with the cost of materials for simple draught-proofing. Any steps to publise these two forms of assistance are a matter for the Departments concerned.