§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people have so far taken up the grant for loft insulation under the Homes Insulation Act; how many have actually insulated their lofts; what is the total cost to public funds; and whether he will make a statement on the administration of the scheme to date.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergIt is estimated that about 400,000 applications for grant were accepted by local authorities in the first six months of the scheme; about 200,000 grants were paid during this period at a total cost of £8.2 million. The initial demand for grants was very heavy. Difficulties in supplies of insulation materials earlier this year delayed progress, but the position has now eased.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the
Local authorities Other public sector Private sector Total Bolton … … … … … 966 448 996 2,410 Bury … … … … … 217 157 353 727 Manchester … … … … 1,003 477 760 2,240 Oldham … … … … … 1,000 324 241 1,565 Rochdale … … … … … 641 370 483 1,494 Salford … … … … … 1,738 133 173 2,044 Stockport … … … … 164 245 753 1,162 Tameside … … … … … 654 29 363 1,046 Trafford … … … … … 105 261 353 719 Wigan … … … … … 806 — 634 1,440 Totals for Greater Manchester … 7,294 2,444 5,109 14,847