§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (i) how many grants have been paid under the home energy efficiency scheme in 1996–97 to date; and how many of these grants have been paid at the lower rate; [6587]
(2) how many grants he expects to be paid under the home energy efficiency scheme during 1996–97; how many of these are expected to be paid at the lower rate; and if he will make a statement. [6588]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesA total of 288,525 grants were paid between 1 April and 31 October, the most recent date for which figures are available; 1,351 were paid at the lower rate. I estimate that 406,000 grants will be paid in 1996–97 under this scheme, which has already helped over 2 million vulnerable households. A total of 2,300 of these grants are expected to be at the lower rate. The 1997–98 output will be boosted by the proposed 3 per cent. increase in the allocation. I intend soon to announce changes to the structure of the scheme to make it more flexible and even better value for money.