§ Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what current steps he is taking to encourage the use of cavity wall insulation by local authorities and private builders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonThe benefits obtainable from insulating the cavity walls of suitable buildings have been explained by my Department and the Department of Energy in publicity directed both at the building industry and the householder. This work requires the relaxation of building regulation C9(2) and we have sent circular letters to local authorities on 29th April and 1st August outlining the circumstances in which this regulation should be relaxed. In our view this should be possible in the great majority of cases.
We have today written to interested bodies seeking their views on proposals for a type relaxation of the building regulations to facilitate this work.