HC Deb 01 March 1984 vol 55 cc271-2W
Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy why the National Council for Voluntary Organisations has not yet received confirmation from his Department concerning future funding of neighbourhood energy action schemes after 31 March.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The NCVO has now been informed that my Department will continue to fund neighbourhood energy action in the next financial year. Formal confirmation was delayed pending determination of funding from the Manpower Services Commission.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he intends to continue financing neighbourhood energy action; and when he expects to make an announcement.

Mr. Peter Walker

I attach great importance to the expansion of the voluntary sector's involvement in community insulation projects. Neighbourhood energy action—NEA—has an important role to play in the development of voluntary projects. The energy efficiency office will continue to fund NEA in 1984–85, and will, in addition, make up the shortfall resulting from withdrawal of funds from the Manpower Services Commission. This reprsents a doubling of finance from my Department. We are also negotiating with NEA about the provision of additional resources to allow it to expand its operations further.