§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the response from industry for the loan scheme to finance energy-saving investment; how many inquiries have been received to date; how many have been approved; what proportion of the £3 million provision has been advanced; what 6W plans he has to extend the scheme; and if he proposes to promote wider publicity for the scheme.
§ Mr. VarleyThere has been considerable interest in the scheme from industry and several hundred inquiries have been received. The initial applications are still being processed, and consequently no funds have yet been advanced. I am considering the possibility of extending the scheme, and also the need for further publicity, but have no firm plan at the moment.