§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the benefits of measures to promote the use of external wall insulation for buildings not covered by Article 4 of the Planning Regulations. [31336]
§ Angela EagleMy Department and the Energy Saving Trust keep under ongoing review the value of promoting a range of energy efficiency measures, including the use of external wall insulation for buildings.
§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give additional funding to the Energy Saving Trust to promote the use of external wall insulation. [31337]
§ Angela EagleMy right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment told the House on 28 January 1998,Official Report, column 232, that the Government had allocated an additional £5.5 million to the Energy Saving Trust, to enable it to maintain and develop its energy efficiency programmes. The Trust is now preparing its business plan for 1998–99, and will be submitting it to me and Ministerial colleagues shortly. In preparing its proposals, the Trust considers the full range of options for the promotion of energy efficiency, including external wall insulation.
§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes he estimates have received external wall insulation. [31401]
§ Angela EagleExternal wall insulation is a composite system consisting of insulation material protected by render, cladding or hung tiles. This type of insulation is426W more effective where the exterior of a building needs repair or a major renovation is planned. It provides extra insulation and weatherproofing and improves appearance.
The industry estimate that in the last 20 years between 100,000 and 150,000 homes in the UK have had their external walls insulated in this way.