Boilers: Government Assistance

Mr. Chope
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the operation of the boiler scrappage scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock
[holding answer 18 March 2010]: The boiler scrappage scheme has proved popular and appears to have stimulated many people to consider replacing their boiler. We estimate that the scheme is helping householders to save around £200 a year off fuel bills and reduce emissions and sustain work for 130,000 installers and employees of the 25 UK-based boiler manufacturers.