§ Mr. Cantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the need to reduce fuel consumption, he will now take steps to bring about a relaxation of Part F of the Building (Second Amendment) Regulations 1974 relating to thermal insulation.
§ Mr. FreesonThe amendment to Part F introduced improved standards of thermal insulation, and any relaxation of these requirements would tend to increase fuel consumption. My hon. Friend may have in mind the relaxation of Regulation C9, dealing with the prevention of damp in cavity walls, to permit insulation by fulling cavities, on which he has tabled a separate Question.
§ Mr. Cantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the need to reduce fuel consumption, he has yet replied to the request of the Cavity Foam Insulation Association that he should issue a type relaxation to allow installers, with agreement certificates and covered by an insured guarantee, to carry out the work without the need for formal permission by a local authority.
§ Mr. FreesonI intend to bring into effect the relevant provisions of Part III of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, under which type relaxation could be introduced, at the earliest possible date. I am urgently considering using these powers to issue a type relaxation relating to the use of cavity wall insulation in specified circumstances. This would, of course, involve detailed consultation with all the authorities and bodies concerned. In the meantime, the Cavity Foam Insulation Association has been made aware of my proposed course of action.