§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the working of current arrangements aimed at encouraging the thermal insulation of older housing in England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArmstrongResponsibility for the encouragement of thermal insulation rests primarily with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. It is, however, a condition of payment of renovation grants to private householders that roof insulation to the standard laid down in Building Regulations shall be installed. Similar criteria apply to improvement works by local authorities. Financial aid towards the cost of installation is available in certain circumstances.
Projects for roof insulation of housing in the public sector can also be undertaken under the Job Creation Programme for which responsibility rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.
The Manpower Services Commission meets the labour costs incurred in such projects and in some cases may contribute towards other costs. Arrangements for facilitating and encouraging the installation of thermal insulation are under constant review.