§ Viscount Hanworthasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that improving thermal insulation in our existing housing stock would be a good economic investment in view of the potential savings in heating benefits and in reduction in the number of new power stations required; and if so whether they will make the necessary capital available to local authorities.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Skelmersdale)In his report on the Sizewell Inquiry, Sir Frank Layfield considered the potential impact of energy efficiency measures on the need for Sizewell B. In view of the quasi-judicial role of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Energy, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on whether energy efficiency could reduce the number of new power stations required.