§ 2.50 p.m.
§ Baroness NicolMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have assessed the impact on future levels of energy consumption of the deregulation of industrial buildings.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleMy Lords, the Government expect no immediate change in the energy require-ment for new construction work in industrial buildings. In the longer term the impact of the proposed deregulation would depend on decisions about insulation levels made by those who commission and build such buildings.
§ Baroness NicolMy Lords, I am grateful for that Answer. However, it seems to indicate that the department is not taking this matter as seriously as it might. For example, has the Department of Energy been consulted on the proposed deregulation of industrial buildings? Is the Minister aware that the Secretary of State has given a commitment to an ongoing energy conservation programme? I am sure that he would not welcome any relaxation in regulations which would allow industrial buildings not to be insulated, which is what the new regulations would do. Has the department been consulted?
§ Lord SkelmersdaleYes, my Lords, naturally the Department of Energy has been consulted and it will equally be involved in considering with the Department of the Environment the response to consultation.