§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the total annual spending by local authorities on the provision of thermal insulation in their housing stock during each of the five most recent years.
§ Mr. ArmstrongI regret that the information is not available.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to ensure that local authorities (a) include adequate thermal insulation in their new housing schemes and (b) undertake programmes of insulation to their existing housing stock.
§ Mr. ArmstrongLocal authorities must comply with current building regulations for thermal insulation in new housing schemes. Local authorities are126W well aware of the benefits arising from thermal insulation of existing dwellings, but the priority given to insulation in relation to other necessary improvements is a matter for individual authorities.