§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what resources his Department is diverting to energy conservation in 1980–81 (a) in manpower, and (b) in money; and how these figures compare with 1979–80.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe amount specifically allocated to energy conservation in 1980–81 is £31.1 million at 1979 survey prices, compared with an allocation of £67.6 million and an estimated outturn of £51.6 million at the same price base for 1979–80. There is no longer a specific allocation for the insulation of local authority dwellings, though I expect authorities to continue with this work. The main allocation for the homes insulation scheme has been reduced to reflect the pattern of demand under the scheme so far, but additional funds have been made available to provide a higher rate of grant for the elderly on low incomes. There are small increases in planned expenditure on the Government estate and on research, and allocations to local authorities in respect of non-domestic buildings are unchanged. There is a complement equivalent to 80 full-494W time staff on energy conservation work in central DOE; in the Property Services Agency there are 64 non-industrial staff specifically allocated to this work and special training in energy conservation techniques has also been given to 400 industrial staff engaged on specialised plant operation.