Vol. 462 No. 2
121 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the serious problem of poor heating, poor insulation and consequent dampness and other problems in a large range of older local authority flats; the plans, if any, he has to make funds available to local authorities to commence a programme of insulation of central heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4226/96]
The management, maintenance and improvement of their rented dwellings, including the provision of adequate heating and insulation, is the responsibility of local authorities. Under my Department's remedial works scheme, funds are available to assist authorities in carrying out major structural works, which may include the provision of central heating and improved insulation to pre-1940 dwellings, run-down urban estates and dwellings with serious design or construction faults. A review of the remedial works scheme is currently being carried out by my Department, in consultation with local authorities. In addition, a programme to improve energy conservation in local authority dwellings is being developed in consultation with the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications.
