§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has undertaken an inquiry into the problems of condensation, damp and mould and the freezing of water tanks resulting from roof and loft insulation; and what representations have been received by his Department on this subject.
§ Mr. FreesonThe joint working party on heating and energy conservation in344W public sector housing has recently examined the problem of condensation in domestic pitched roof spaces. The results were published in domestic energy note 2. We have not carried out a specific study into the problem of freezing water tanks; we have advised local authorities to insulate the tanks and pipes in the roof space at the same time as they install insulation, and we require insulation grant applicants to do the same.
No representations on these issues have been received.
§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the amounts paid in grants for house insulation since inception of the scheme; and if he will list details of schemes in operation in other EEC countries in £ sterling equivalents.
§ Mr. FreesonThese statistics are not yet available. I have information on the following schemes in the EEC—at January 1978 prices:
Belgium
25 per cent. grants up to £400—to cover insulation of windows, walls, floors, roofs, and hot water systems.Denmark
Single family dwellings: 50 per cent. tax credits up to £265 provided the work costs more than £90. Flats: 30 per cent. grant up to £175—to cover insulation of windows, walls, floors, roofs, boilers, and hot water systems: weather-sealing; installation of controls.Germany
25 per cent. grant on works costing £970–£2,900 or 10 per cent. tax allowance—to cover insulation of windows, walls, ceilings, roofs and hot water systems; weathersealing; improved controls and heating appliances.Netherlands
30 per cent. grants up to £910 (£550 estimated average cost per dwelling)—to cover insulation of windows, walls and roofs.France
Grants, loans and tax concessions are available.Ireland
There is no programme specifically for energy conservation. 66 per cent. grants up to £400 for renovation work can include insulation measures.Italy
345WThere is no programme specifically for energy conservation.Sterling figures, which are conversions for European Units of Account at January 1978 prices, are approximate.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many home insulation grants have been paid in each borough within Greater Manchester since the scheme was introduced, up to the most recent practical date.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe figures at 31 December 1978 are as follows:
Bolton 203 Bury 815 Manchester 305 Oldham 744 Rochdale 406 Salford 474 Stockport 700 Thameside 455 Trafford 247 Wigan 696