§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations, and from whom, his Department has received on the subject of the reduction in the budget for the home energy efficiency scheme; what that reduction has been; what action his Department plans to take in response to the representations; and if he will make a statement. [15130]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesWe have received some 200 representations from hon. Members, local authorities, voluntary bodies and the insulation industry about the reduction in the budget for the home energy efficiency scheme. In 1996–97, the allocation for this programme will be just over £73 million—some £30 million less than in 1995–96. We have recently reviewed the scheme, and hope shortly to publish proposals for its development in the form of a consultation paper.