HC Deb 26 January 1994 vol 236 cc245-6W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to institute a national programme to insulate homes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

My Department already operates a national programme to insulate homes. The home energy efficiency scheme—HEES—was introduced on 1 January 1991 and provides grants in England, Scotland and Wales to householders on low incomes for the installation of loft, tank and pipe insulation, draughtproofing and energy advice. There is a similar scheme in Northern Ireland. In April 1994 the provision for HEES is to be almost doubled and the scheme extended to pensioners and the disabled.