§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research studies have been carried out by her Department into the effects of varied climates on household heating needs.
§ Mr. MeacherNone, but the advice obtained by the Supplementary Benefits Commission is that climate is only one of many factors. Others include the construction of the dwelling, the extent of insulation provided, the location, elevation and degree of exposure to prevailing winds, the type and efficiency of the heating system installed, and the demands made upon it by the occupants—eg., personal choice of heat levels, how often they bathe, leave windows open. etc.