§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning the need for improvement of the insulation standards of buildings with a view to assisting to solve the shortage of energy problem; and when he expects the building regulations will be revised for that purpose.
§ Mr. ChannonRepresentations about the need for higher thermal insulation standards have been received from certain trade organisations and the matter has also been raised in this House and in another place. Under present powers, however, building regulations can be made only in the interests of health and safety and without further legislation can-234W not take account of the need to conserve energy.
§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether, in view of the need to widen the scope of building regulations and bring them up to date, he will indicate when the necessary legislation for that purpose can be submitted to Parliament;
(2) if he will now indicate when he is intending to introduce legislation based on the Consultative Document containing proposals for a Building Bill which was published in August last year.
§ Mr. ChannonThe Government recognise the need to widen the scope of building regulations, improve procedures and co-ordinate more effectively the various controls affecting building. Comments on the consultative document "Proposals for a Building Bill" have been under examination, but I cannot yet say when it will be possible to introduce legislation.