§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) under what conditions interstitial condensation and mould growth occur in newly-built structures; and if he will give an estimate of the annual damage to the nation's housing stock and recommended treatment;
(2) at what point in the life of a building mould growth and condensation are likely to be at their greatest, in the absence of paraffin heaters; and at what 681W temperature are bacteria and fungi most productive;
(3) what research has been undertaken by the Building Research Association on the role of bacteria and fungi on the biodegradation of concrete; what species have been identified; how many are dependent upon sulphur compounds and hydrogen sulphide; and whether the situation has improved or deteriorated over the past 20 years.
§ Mr. ArmstrongInformation on the causes and treatments of condensation, including interstitial condensation, and mould growth is given in two Building Research Establishment publications, which I am sending to the hon. Member.
I can give no estimate of the annual damage to the nation's housing stock; in general condensation leads to structural damage only when it occurs interstitially in timber framed or similar constructions.