§ 2. Sue Doughty (Guildford)What plans he has to introduce inspections of air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12 kW. [133434]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Yvette Cooper)We plan to introduce inspections of air conditioning with an output of more than 12kW in order to support improvements 626 to energy efficiency as part of the implementation of the energy performance of buildings directive, which needs to be transposed by 2005.
§ Sue DoughtyI thank the Minister for that reply, but we need to recognise that the directive could save 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2010. Given the number of requirements in the directive, would it not be prudent for it to be incorporated in primary legislation so that the Government can get on and deliver as rapidly and effectively as possible the huge environmental benefits resulting from the directive?
§ Yvette CooperThe hon. Lady is right. There are clear environmental benefits from the directive and, as air conditioning becomes more popular, this issue will become increasingly important. As part of the review of building regulations, we are consulting on how the measure should be introduced. I draw the hon. Lady's attention to the information on the departmental website if she is interested in the detail in that respect.