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We welcome the UK Government''s ambition to insulate all cavities and lofts by 2015 (which was reaffirmed in its UK Low Carbon Transition), and indicated that we believe this will not be met in Scotland unless changes are made to the framework for the delivery of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and the obligation that supersedes it. The Home Insulation Scheme will contribute towards this ambition, but the degree to which it can be achieved will partly depend on decisions made around the future of CERT.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-27371 on 24 September 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-27367 on 24 September 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

At this stage, it is not possible to estimate how many households will have insulation measures installed under the Home Insulation Scheme (HIS) that will be partly paid for. When HIS is fully underway and data is being collected for monitoring and evaluation purposes it will be possible to provide more informed estimates.

Our target date for completion of door-step assessments of all eligible homes under the first phase of the Home Insulation Scheme (HIS) is 31 March 2010 with delivery of insulation in all suitable homes where owners want it by that date, or shortly thereafter. The Energy Saving Trust, as managing agent, will work with delivery partners to ensure that these measures are installed to a high standard. Monitoring of the quality of the measures installed will be a feature of HIS.

We recognise the need to make substantial progress in our existing housing stock to meet our climate change ambitions. Whilst resources are tight, we have made a significant start by identifying resources for the Home Insulation Scheme in the 2009-10 Budget, and, subject to parliamentary approval, in 2010-11. Again subject to parliamentary approval, we intend to continue in budgetary terms year by year towards the achievement of a step-change in energy efficiency and insulation by 2020. The first phase of investment and the associated evaluation will assist in determining the best way of taking this forward in future years.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-27384 on 24 September 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-27367 on 24 September 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

It is estimated that the cost of the development, implementation, administration and marketing, including publicity and promotion, of the Home Insulation Scheme, by the managing agent for the scheme, the Energy Saving Trust, will be approximately £5.5 million. This funding will provide for a combination of direct delivery of services, including doorstep visits, data collection and tailored energy advice to up to 100,000 households, and management of the delivery of energy efficiency measures by third parties.

The bulk of the remaining funding has been allocated for the provision of energy efficiency measures which will include the cost of both insulation materials and labour costs to install insulation. This will include funding to cover additional costs in island areas. A small proportion of the overall funding will be used for scheme evaluation.

Our target date for completion of door-step assessments of all eligible homes under the first phase of the Home Insulation Scheme (HIS) is 31 March 2010 with delivery of insulation in all suitable homes where owners want them by that date, or shortly thereafter. The Energy Saving Trust, as managing agent, will work with delivery partners to ensure that these measures are installed to a high standard. Monitoring of the quality of the measures installed will be a feature of HIS.

It is, however, likely that loft and cavity wall insulation will generally not be appropriate for hard-to-treat homes and that such properties will be assisted through the provision of energy audits, benefits advice and social tariff checks where appropriate.