HC Deb 25 July 1979 vol 971 cc590-2
12. Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the current housing cost yardstick allows for adequate standards of heat insulation.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

All new dwellings must have, as a minimum, insulation standards which conform to the building regulations. But whether a dwelling can be regarded as adequately insulated depends on a number of considerations, including how well its heating system is matched to the dwelling design and specification. There is no specific allowance in the housing cost yardstick tables for the provision of heat insulation but the tables are constructed having regard to any requirements imposed by building regulations.

Mr. Dubs

Is the Minister aware that many local authorities are concerned that they are unable adequately to insulate the houses that they are building? Will he look at this problem again because it seems that the answer he has given is at variance with the policies of the Secretary of State for Energy who wants to encourage more fuel saving?

Mr. Finsberg

I shall be delighted to do so. I am not aware of any problems, because present yardstick procedures allow authorities to choose a higher standard of insulation and they can make use of a 10 per cent tolerance.

Mr. Hill

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is not the insulation of new properties which is the problem, but the failure to insulate older properties? In all-electric homes, of which I have about 3,000 in my constituency, the occupants not only have the worry of energy conservation but the additional worry of the electricity bill. Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a lack of insulation throughout such houses?

Mr. Finsberg

I am aware that this is a problem. The joint working party on heating and energy conservation in public sector dwellings has issued guidance to local authorities on remedial works in electrically heated dwellings.

Mr. Greville Janner

Is the Minister aware that as a result, perhaps, of advice given, ordinary people, living in conditions of damp and misery, are told that the only way to cure that situation is to open windows in mid-winter and to heat their homes, resulting in a cost which they cannot afford?

Mr. Finsberg

The hon. and learned Gentleman has, of course, particular problems with the Braunstone estate. However, it is perfectly fair to say that one of the ways of preventing condensation is to have adequate ventilation.