§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the annual energy saving that will result from the improved thermal insulation regulations for new buildings; and what energy saving he estimates could be achieved if standard and discretionary grants and tax allowances were provided for similar improvements on existing private dwellings.
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§ Mr. FreesonInsulation to the new standards can be expected to yield energy savings, but the amount is impossible to predict, depending for instance on the occupiers' choice between greater comfort and greater economy. I regret that there is not sufficient evidence on this point to allow a firm estimate to be made.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the annual energy saving that will result from his proposals to reduce speed limits; and what would be the annual saving if the motorway limit were reduced to 60 mph.
§ Mr. MulleyAbout £10 million, if average speeds on roads throughout the country are reduced by 5 mph. On any realistic assumption as to the effect on traffic behaviour, reduction of the motorway limit would not yield any significant saving.