Mark has hit out at the Scottish Executive for their delays in introducing the Boiler Scrappage Scheme in Scotland.

The scheme was introduced by the UK Government in England in January, and the Scottish Government was given additional funds to operate it here. They refused to commit to the scheme until a huge internet-campaign led by Mark and Sarah Boyack, Labour MSP for Edinburgh Central, forced them to change their mind and agree to it at the time of the Scottish budget two weeks ago.

Figures now released show that in England, 54,758 vouchers have been snapped up. The figure in Scotland is zero, because the Scottish Executive delayed in introducing it.

Mark said:

"There was simply no reason to delay the scheme in Scotland.

"Today's figures from other parts of the UK show how popular it is and it is has also been a big boost to boiler manufacturers and plumbers.

"I suspect the SNP were motivated more by political factors than by doing what is right for the environment and homeowners."

"The scheme helps householders to save around £200 a year off fuel bills and reduce emissions.

"There are over 130,000 installers in the UK and up to 25 UK-based boiler manufacturers.

"Those in Scotland should never have been left out of the scheme in the first place."

All the major energy companies which sell and install boilers (Scottish Gas, E.On, npower and Scottish & Southern) have now matched the offer, giving householders potentially £800 off the cost of a new efficient boilers.

UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

"The Boiler Scrappage Scheme has proved incredibly popular and with energy companies and manufacturers offering deals as well, the government scheme has kick-started a UK-wide programme of boiler replacement.

"I am glad that finally Scottish residents will be able to benefit from a similar scheme."

The Energy Saving Trust (EST), which is running the scheme on behalf of Government, is receiving on average 5,000 enquiries per day to its 14 call centres across England. In the first few days after the launch, EST dealt with 24,000 calls per day - 10 times more than usual.