§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the cost of grants paid under the homes insulation scheme in each year since its inception in September 1978.
§ Sir George YoungFor the expenditure on these grants by English local authorities since 1981–82, I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Mr. Rost) on 2 April at column 427. Corresponding figures for 1978–79, 1979–80 and 1980–81 are £8.3 million, £14.1 million, and £15.3 million, respectively.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will encourage local authorities to work with voluntary groups sponsored under the Department of Energy's neighbourhood energy action programme for low income householders in improving the operation of the homes insulation scheme.
§ Sir George YoungI propose to include a reference to liaison with local voluntary groups, including those sponsored by the neighbourhood energy action programme, in the next department circular on the homes insulation scheme.