§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assistance his Department is giving to the energy insulation scheme, entitled Neighbourhood Energy Action; what grants are currently available to help with insulation for those on low incomes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Neighbourhood Energy Action Scheme is being supported financially by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and the Manpower Services Commission. People entitled to supplementary benefit, including those so entitled who benefit from the406W NEA scheme, can receive grants for simple draught-proofing of their homes and, from next November, grants will also be made available for lagging hot-water cylinders, as explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. Best) on 2 June.