§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates have been made of the costs to the environment(a) by way of reduced thermal efficiency of heating systems and (b) in respect of pollution levels arising from the withdrawal of the home energy efficiency grant scheme. [15447]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesWe remain committed to the home energy efficiency scheme—HEES—which will continue to help make the homes of people in the greatest need warmer and more energy efficient. Grants are towards the cost of basic energy efficiency measures, and so do not affect the thermal efficiency of heating systems. Reduced fuel consumption, and thus lower carbon emissions, are among the benefits of the scheme.