§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what level of training is currently required of employees providing services under the home energy efficiency scheme; and how he proposes to ensure an appropriate level of skills training in relation to any new measures incorporated into the scheme. [5373]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThis well regarded scheme has achieved high standards of workmanship and customer care through the efforts of the scheme's managers, Eaga Ltd., and the network of installers providing local delivery of the service. I expect these standards to be maintained or improved on in the future, whether or not any new measures are made available. The specification of any appropriate training requirements for employees working within the scheme is a matter for Eaga Ltd. At present, it requires anyone who gives householders energy advice under the scheme to obtain a specified qualification.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has completed its review of the home energy efficiency scheme; and if he will make a statement. [5371]
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment his Department has made of the additional financial resources needed to fund any new measures introduced as a result of the review of the home energy efficiency scheme; and if he will make a statement. [5372]
§ Mr. JonesAny changes which may be made in future to the home energy efficiency scheme will be structural, intended to make it even more effective and give better value for money. They would not be linked to any particular level of annual financial allocation. We remain fully committed to helping the most vulnerable people to keep warm and use energy more efficiently, and this successful scheme, on which we have spent nearly £350 million since it started some six years ago, has now made over 2 million households more comfortable.