HC Deb 23 July 1975 vol 896 cc547-8
23. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Cavity Foam Insulation Association and with the Department of Energy, on the problems facing the industry as a result of his letter of 29th April to local authorities.

Mr. Armstrong

I met members of the association on 17th July. Next week members of the association will be seeing the Chairman of my Building Regulations Advisory Committee, together with officials of the Department. My Department and the Department of Energy are in constant touch on all energy conservation questions.

Mr. Rost

Since it was the Department's circular last April which created the muddle and which virtually brought the cavity foam insulation business to a standstill, will the Minister now accept responsibility and speed up his authority to clear up the mess, particularly before the critical months of next winter, so that the insulation business can get going again?

Mr. Armstrong

It is a pity that the hon. Gentleman did not accompany the delegation, as we expected him to do. Had he done so, he would have known that the delegation did not take the view that it was the circular that caused the trouble, as alleged by the hon. Gentleman. There was some very unhappy publicity which created a lack of confidence, but nothing that happened in my Department contributed to that situation.

Mr. Dalyell

What is being done to help genuine concerns which deal in these materials?

Mr. Armstrong

We hope within the next 10 days to issue other suggestions to authorities. We are very concerned about the situation and we recognise the harm done to the industry. My Department and the Department of Energy are concerned about the question of insulation, and we shall do all we can to help.

Mr. Michael Latham

May I put a contrary view to that expressed by my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost)? Will the Minister, in further circulars, be careful to stress the fact that cavity insulation should take place only on suitable sites and in suitable houses, because of problems of damp and rain penetration?

Mr. Armstrong

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that comment. Our view is that if the process is carried out in the right properties, by the right people, in the right way, it can be very successful. However, care must be exercised.