§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to promote the improvement of the insulation of existing stock of pre-1981 dwellings and to improve the efficiency of their boilers or other heating sources; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanMy Department sponsors various programmes which promote improvements in domestic heating and insulation.
Insulation grants for households on low incomes are available under the Energy Efficiency Office's home energy efficiency scheme. Under the green house demonstration programme, the Government have made special funding 318W available to local authorities to show the scope for securing energy efficiency improvements in council housing. Grants for heating and insulation may be available to private householders under the renovation grant system administered by local authorities.
In addition, householders are being encouraged to take energy efficiency measures through the Energy Efficiency Office's national television and press advertising campaign, "Helping the Earth Begins at Home". A free booklet, "Heating Your Home", offers advice on the replacement of old boilers nearing the end of their life with one of three types of more efficient boiler, including the condensing boiler.