§ 5. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is his assessment of the work done for his Department at Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, on condensation in recently-built houses.
§ Mr. LoughlinCondensation is not a suitable problem for investigation at the Royal Aircraft Establishment. The Department is discussing other possibilities with the Ministry of Technology: these include structural studies, new materials, the control of engineering services and the effects of sonic bangs.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat steps are being taken to publicise this work in the trade? Would not some kind of handbook be a suitable way?
§ Mr. LoughlinI appreciate that there is a problem of dissemination of information on condensation problems. The Department and the other bodies concerned do what we can to make the 186 information widely available. Within a few weeks we shall publish a handbook for designers to deal with condensation and for the trade as a whole.
§ Mr. CostainI congratulate the Parliamentary Secretary on his new appointment and wish him a happy if short stay in it. Is he aware that the National Federation has produced a useful handbook and a pamphlet? Will he do what he can to get them circulated among local authorities?
§ Mr. LoughlinThe hon. Gentleman will accept that there is a great deal of co-operation between the industry and us. Where the Department's services are required by the industry for dissemination of information of all kinds, we are willing to consult with the industry if it approaches us. I would add that my occupancy of my new position may be much longer than the hon. Gentleman thinks.