§ Lord AVEBURYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What advice they have given to local authorities on the energy conservation measures they may adopt and what separate grants are available for this purpose.
§ Lord BELLWINMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has issued advice to local authorities on the Homes Insulation Scheme in Department of the Environment Circulars 60/78, 27/79 and 3/80. In addition, the advice in Department of the Environment Circular 23/78 on expenditure on insulation in public sector dwellings which is eligible for subsidy is still relevant. Under the Homes Insulation Scheme, householders are eligible for grants to insulate their lofts and to lag hot and cold water tanks and pipes in the loft space to the value of 66 per cent. of the cost of materials and labour or £ 50 whichever is less. The Minister for Housing and Construction announced on 27th March that the Scheme was to be extended to enable elderly people on low incomes to receive a higher grant rate of 90 per cent. with a maximum of £ 70.