HC Deb 24 February 1971 vol 812 cc549-50
9. Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he has given to local authorities, new town development corporations and the Scottish Special Housing Association, about the need for double-glazing, to prevent heat-loss in houses intended for the occupation of old people.

Mr. Younger

Advice on the design of houses for old people, including heating, was given in Bulletin No. 3 of the new Scottish Housing Handbook, copies of which were sent last July to local authorities, new town corporations, and the Scottish Special Housing Association.

Mrs. Hart

The hon. Gentleman has not said to what extent that included advice specifically to the new town corporations on double-glazing in houses for old people. Is he aware of the increasing importance attached to double-glazing in the prevention of hypothermia among old people? Is he aware that, in East Kilbride, we have the rather odd situation in which the new town corporation is not providing double-glazing, even in houses for old people, whereas the town council provides it in its own houses?

Mr. Younger

I appreciate the right hon. Lady's interest and agree with her about the value of double-glazing. I think that the more valuable thing to do, however, is to insist on appropriate minimum heating standards and not necessarily to specify double-glazing as against other forms of heat insulation. But I take the point. We will seek to see that all local authorities, including the new town corporations, maintain the minimum adequate heating standards.

Mr. David Steels

Declaring a possible financial interest, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he accepts that there is a strong case not only for double-glazing in the construction of new houses for old people but for the conversion of existing old people's houses to double-glazing?

Mr. Younger

I appreciate that, but the important point is to get minimum heating standards accepted, and double-glazing may or may not be the best way to achieve that in different circumstances.

Mr. Dempsey

Before the construction of such houses, will the hon. Gentleman ensure that the plans are sent to the fire prevention authorities so that every, step that can be taken will be taken to avoid fires, in view of the tragic number of fatalities which are occurring because of fires in council housing?

Mr. Younger

We are very concerned with the views of the fire authorities and will do all that we can to see that the fire regulations are observed in the planning and construction of new houses.