HC Deb 29 March 1993 vol 222 cc56-7W
Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration his Department gave to global warming considerations when considering proposals to increase domestic roof, wall and floor insulation standards in the Building Regulations part L revision.

Mr. Baldry

As stated in the consultation letter covering the proposals to review part L of the Building Regulations, these have been brought forward now because of growing environmental concerns and the Government's commitment to return CO2, emissions to 1990 levels by 2000.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish technical information supplied to his Department by the Building Research Establishment and the National House Building Council, which his Department has considered in reaching its proposal not to increase current United Kingdom insulation standards in domestic roofs, walls and floors in the current Building Regulations part L revision.

Mr. Baldry

The proposals for the revision of part L of the Building Regulations would increase significantly current insulation standards in domestic roofs, walls and floors by requiring more demanding calculation pro-cedures, requiring improved insulation around window and door openings, and by not permitting lower standards of wall, floor and roof insulation where double-glazing is used. In addition, views are being invited on improving U-values for roof and floor insulation. Estimates made by the Building Research Establishment of the costs and savings of the proposals were included in the summary paper deposited in the Library of the House on 26 January 1993.