§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he has any plans to change his policy of providing loft insulation grants to householders in England and Wales;
(2) what is his policy on the provision of loft insulation grants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyMy hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Construction announced proposed changes to the Homes Insulation Scheme on 19 December, at column 756, in response to a question from the hon. Member for Devon, North (Mr. Speller). The proposed new scheme would withdraw the general rate at 66 per cent. but would extend the availability of the 90 per cent. grant to all householders in receipt of housing benefit or supplementary benefit.
The new arrangements would also apply in Wales, where my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has responsibility for the scheme.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the level of expenditure on loft insulation grants (a) in 1979 and (b) in the most recent year for which figures are available; and whether he has any plans to increase such expenditure.
§ Mr. TraceyExpenditure on grants in 1979 was £14.9 million, and in 1985, the most recent year for which figures are available, it was £25.4 million. My right hon. Friend has no plans to increase expenditure.