§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the operation and effectiveness of the homes insulation scheme 1978; if he will increase the level of grant payable under the scheme; if he will take steps to give additional help to those on low incomes; and if he will list the number of grants paid for each quarter since the scheme was introduced.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergProgress has been made under the scheme but we have no plans at present to increase the level of grant. Changes to the scheme announced on 30 October should promote take-up by pensioners and others on low incomes. The number of grants paid for each quarter in England since the scheme was introduced in September 1978 are:
1978 fourth quarter … 86,000 1979 first quarter … 131,000 1979 second quarter … 79,000 1979 third quarter … 65,000 Figures for the last quarter of 1979 are not yet available.