HC Deb 12 November 1969 vol 791 c382
3. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to alleviate the problem of condensation in new houses.

Mr. Loughlin

A design guide on the prevention of condensation is to be published early next year and a handbook on remedial measures later. The Ministry is continuing to hold conferences to make the causes of condensation and methods of preventing it more widely known.

Mr. Dalyell

While acknowledging the good work of Mr. Dick and his colleagues in the Building Research Station, since this problem is causing considerable distress to many tenants, could not something be done in the way of publicity before the winter begins, as it becomes severe in January and February, when condensation is probably at its worst?

Mr. Loughlin

I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman says about the distress caused by condensation. We have given all the publicity we possibly can to not only the problem but its solution so far as we see it. I have said before, and say again, that whenever an hon. Member has a problem of this kind we are prepared to give him every possible assistance.

Mr. Allason

Will the Minister take into account the extreme danger caused by blocking up ventilation, which is necessary to avoid condensation, and can result in great tragedy when individuals are killed by fumes?

Mr. Loughlin

Two problems are involved. By and large, a good deal of condensation arises from the tendency in the past few years to think in terms of creature comforts, such as warmth from central heating and part-central heating and the elimination of natural ventilation. I appreciate that this affects the matter of condensation and that elimination of natural ventilation may well result in danger from fumes of one kind or another.