HC Deb 24 July 1986 vol 102 cc357-8W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans exist for new community programme opportunities to be provided by his Department.

Mr. Peter Walker

My Energy Efficiency Office sponsors a national initiative within the community programme which provides a low-cost or free insulation service for low-income households. This programme has insulated almost 200,000 homes since it began, and currently employs around 5,000 in 270 separate local projects; 200 more projects are being planned, and I expect perhaps 80 of those to start up, creating another 1,500 jobs, by the end of the year, with further expansion thereafter.

There are no present plans to sponsor new employment programmes beyond the one I have mentioned.