Janet Finch-Saunders MS - the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – has today (06 October) welcomed a positive response to her letter to the Welsh Government, which urged the administration to promote Welsh wool as an insulation material when upgrading or building the nation’s housing stock.
In a letter of reply, Lesley Griffiths MS stated:
“I am supportive of an increased use of Welsh wool in housing insulation provided it complies with building regulations, is cost effective and the most environmentally friendly solution, which may not be the case in every situation.
This is the latest update in the Shadow Minister’s Welsh Wool Pledge campaign, with the news arriving amid the Campaign for Wool’s 10th annual Wool Week. Yesterday, Mrs Finch-Saunders marked the beginning of the celebratory week by writing out to a variety of bedding manufacturers and vendors to urge for their support.
Commenting on the Welsh Government's response, Janet said:
“I am delighted that this request from the Welsh Conservatives, which asked for a commitment to use more of our nation’s wool as an insulation material when upgrading or building the nation’s houses, has received such a positive response from the administration in Cardiff Bay.
“Used in the home, wool insulation helps to reduce energy costs and prevents the loss of energy, thus reducing carbon emissions. Thanks to the natural material’s high water and nitrogen content, wool is also naturally flame-retardant.
“Clinching this commitment is a brilliant start to Wool Week 2020, when the Welsh Conservatives will be standing up for our farmers and promoting the virtues of this excellent fibre. This includes writing out to bedding manufacturers and taking a meeting with British wool.
“Elected Members of the Welsh Parliament have a platform from which to pursue policies that place the best interests of our rural communities at the heart of devolution. By encouraging the Welsh Government to modify their purchasing practices, we can stand in lockstep with those residents who rely on the benefits that our farms bring.”
ENDS