§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give a breakdown of the £153,598 estimated as the cost to public funds for the first year of operating south Devon fuel surgeries.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe breakdown is as follows:
£ Manpower Services Commission's contribution Wages costs 124,892 Operating costs 14,096 Department of Energy's contribution Vehicles 6,000 Protective clothing and other equipment 2,910 Insulation materials 5,700 TOTAL 153,598
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of the total annual estimated operating costs of south Devon fuel surgeries is represented by (a) the funds from his Department and (b) other public funds.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy Department only provides grants towards the planning and initial capital costs of community insulation projects, such as the south Devon fuel bill surgeries. The operating costs for these Surgeries are met by the Manpower Services Commission under its community programme.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement as to the purpose and activities of the south Devon fuel surgeries.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe south Devon fuel bill surgeries have been set up to assist households on low incomes to use energy more efficiently primarily by providing them with an insulation and draught proofing service using the long term unemployed under the Manpower Services Commission's community programme.