§ Mrs. MaddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is(a) the average cost and (b) the lowest cost for the installation of loft insulation, approved under the home energy efficiency scheme. [37895]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe present average grant towards the cost of loft insulation under the home energy efficiency scheme is £189, and the lowest recorded is £87.49.
§ Mrs. MaddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many grants at 25 per cent. have been paid under the home energy efficiency scheme; and if he will make a statement. [37899]
§ Mr. ClappisonOne hundred and twenty nine such grants had been paid by 30 June 1996.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what resources he plans to make available to local authorities to enable them to implement recommendations arising from reports produced under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995. [38050]
§ Mr. ClappisonNone specifically, since those measures which are for direct implementation by local authorities fall within their existing powers and duties as housing authorities. Energy efficiency will continue to be one of the factors taken into account in considering allocations to local authorities in England under the housing investment programme. Housing finance in Scotland, in Wales and in Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the respective Secretaries of State. In the case of the majority of the housing stock, implementation will be for third parties, such as landlords and homeowners, and the role of the local authority will be to inform, educate and motivate. Many authorities already take steps to provide information and encourage residents to use energy more efficiently in their homes.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional resources he plans to make available to the home energy efficiency scheme to match additional measures added to the scheme as a result of the current consultation process. [38052]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe allocation for the home energy efficiency scheme is decided each year in the light of the priorities at that time and the overall resources available for all programmes. No decisions have yet been taken on 301W the proposals contained in the consultation paper published earlier this year on the future of this successful and well-regarded scheme.
§ Mrs. MaddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is(a) the average cost and (b) the lowest cost for the installation of draught-proofing, approved under the home energy efficiency scheme. [37898]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe present average grant towards the cost of draught-proofing under the home energy efficiency scheme is £116, and the lowest recorded is £45.33.