§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what he estimates the saving in energy would be if all houses had insulated roofs; and what financial assistance is available to householders to achieve this.
§ Mr. ArmstrongIt is impossible to determine accurately how much energy would be saved if all houses in the country had loft insulation, as many householder choose higher temperatures rather than saving energy. However, if all accessible lofts not already insulated to the currently required standard, equivalent to 50mm. of glass fibre, were to be so insulated, then further savings of between 5 per cent. and 10 per cent. of energy used in housing might result. Generally speaking, no financial assistance towards the cost of loft insulation is at present available to householders, because the relatively small capital cost can be offset by a reduction in fuel bills. Elderly or disabled householders who find themselves unable to meet the cost may, however, qualify for grant aid under the renovation grant system administered by local authorities.