§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps have been taken by his Department within the last two years to improve the advice and information available on the thermal efficiency of elderly people's homes.
§ Mr. MacleanThe introduction of the home energy efficiency scheme on 1 January 1991 made grants available for the first time for the provision of basic energy efficiency advice for those on low incomes. Compulsory qualifica-tions for those giving advice under the scheme were introduced in April 1992 to ensure a high standard of advice provision. Information and advice on energy efficiency in the home is also available through my Department's "Helping the Earth Begins at Home" campaign.