§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many home insulation grants have been given in the last five years; and what was their value.
§ Mr. MacleanThere have been several different grant schemes for home insulation over the last five years.
The home efficiency scheme provides grants for loft, tank and pipe insulation, draughtproofing and energy advice. Since its inception in January 1991, some 387,000 grants have been provided at a cost of £55.6 million. Under the house renovation grant system, minor works assistance grants are available for thermal insulation. Since their introduction in April 1990, 11,300 homes have been treated at a cost of £3.8 million. Insulation is also sometimes installed as part of wider works under house renovation grants.
The energy grant scheme provided for draughtproofing materials. Between April 1988 and December 1990 some 528W 360,000 homes were treated at a cost of £25.65 million. The homes insulation scheme provided some 185,800 grants at a cost of £19.4 million between April 1988 and March 1990.