§ 3.10 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT HANWORTHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have yet issued recommendations to local authorities for higher levels of house insulation; and, if not, when they intend to do so.
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, the Government's review of thermal insulation standards for new dwellings is now almost complete. Before the issue of advice to local authorities is considered it will be desirable to consult the local authority associations, and this will be the next step.
§ VISCOUNT HANWORTHMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply, which is certainly encouraging. May I ask him whether he appreciates that there is urgency in this matter? Does he realise that if you increase the rent of a house to cover the extra capital value of the insulation, nevertheless there will be a saving in the heating bills which will probably make the overall cost less? Does the noble Lord agree that that is so? If so, on that ground alone it is important that a circular should be put out as soon as possible.
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, yes; I can assure the noble Viscount that we do not underrate the importance of this matter. We shall certainly proceed as soon as it is practicable to do so. I can also assure the noble Viscount that we are well aware that any possible increase in costs that might be incurred would be more than offset by lower heating costs.
§ LORD WYNNE-JONESMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the amount of heat used in this country per unit of space heated is two and a half times as great as in Scandinavia?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that information.