Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-30336 on 15 January 2010. 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.aspxI.

Two gritter vehicles fitted with snow ploughs were in continuous operation on the A77 trunk road south of Ayr on 22, 23 and 24 December. This service was complemented by two further vehicles fitted with snow ploughs which were deployed on the A77 and A76 trunk roads as necessary on these dates. Information about individual deployments on the route are not recorded.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-30338 on 15 January 2010. 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.aspxI.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-30336 on 15 January 2010. 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.

Fuel cell gas boilers, which generate electricity as well as heating and hot water, have already been the subject of discussion between officials and Scottish Gas, the managing agent for the Energy Assistance Package.

There are several issues to be addressed before a decision can be made on whether they should be offered as an option under the Energy Assistance Package, including long-term costs in use and whether any types of homes or household would be unsuited to this technology. Fuel cell gas boilers can be operated using both mains gas and liquid petroleum gas and we will investigate whether they could be a cost effective option both on and off the mains gas grid, taking into account the potential savings arising from the electricity generated.

The Fuel Poverty Forum will consider the options offered under stage 4 as part of its review of the first year in operation of the Energy Assistance Package.

Where appropriate, applicants to the Energy Assistance Package (EAP) are offered a referral to their energy supply company, which will discuss access to a social tariff and cost-effective payment methods with eligible households. Tariffs and payment methods are a matter for each energy supply companies and, as yet, EAP cannot offer this type of advice to households who rely on LPG or oil. However, many such applicants will be eligible for other measures available under the EAP, including checks that they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-30071 on 14 January 2010. 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.

The impact of advice on improving energy efficiency is generally difficult to assess. Where households who use LPG or oil are referred for insulation measures under Stages 3 or 4 of the Energy Assistance Package, the improvement to the SAP rating is recorded which reflects the potential impact of the package of measures delivered.

I refer the member to the question S3W-30067, answered on 14 January 2010. 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.