HL Deb 28 September 1976 vol 374 cc168-9

2.39 p.m.

Viscount HANWORTH

My 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 studied the suggestions put forward by the Association of British Manufacturers of Mineral Insulating Fibres for the improvement of thermal insulation in new industrial buildings; and what action they are taking to improve existing standards.

Baroness STEDMAN

My Lords, in April this year the Government circulated for comment suggestions for building regulations requiring thermal insulation in various types of new buildings, including industrial buildings. The suggestions by the Association of British Manufacturers of Mineral Insulating Fibres are being considered along with the many other comments received.

Viscount HANWORTH

My Lords, while thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask her why it is that when there are such obvious advantages, in terms of saving fuel and overseas payments, and when virtually everybody is agreed that this is a good thing to do, there should be such delays and such long discussions before any effective action is taken? May I ask her to assure us that this matter is being pressed forward with real energy?

Baroness STEDMAN

Yes, my Lords, I can give that assurance to the noble Viscount. The Department has already received over 70 replies in response to its request. There is general agreement on the need for regulations. There are differences suggested in the amount of insulation to be required and the Department is giving consideration to all the points of view that have been expressed in order that it can have the greatest possible freedom in making the necessary regulations when it has given everything due consideration.