HC Deb 26 January 1987 vol 109 cc50-1W
Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage increase in fabric heat loss would be permitted by the disapplication to industrial and storage buildings of the provisions for the conservation of fuel and power in the Building Regulations (England and Wales); and whether this accords with the objectives set by Her Majesty's Government during Energy Efficiency Year.

Mr. John Patten

Any increase would depend on the level of heating and type of construction proposed. The Department's consultation letter on the review of the building regulations proposes that decisions about the appropriate level of insulation in industrial and storage buildings should be left to those commissioning and building them. This is because of the wide variety of industrial processes and the different heating and humidity levels found in this type of building where the use of impervious claddings can cause problems of condensation. For other kinds of buildings the review proposes significantly higher standards for the conservation of fuel and power.