§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated increase in rateable value and the average increase in annual rating which results from a rerating for an average house after the installation of (a) double-glazing, (b) a solar panel water-heating system and (c) a more energy-efficient central heating system; and what proposals he has to remove these disincentives to energy conservation.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettQuantitative information is not available in respect of England and Wales. But, as I informed the hon. Member in my answer to him on 24th February—[Vol. 944, c. 851]—I am advised that such measures as double-glazing and other measures intended to improve energy conservation are unlikely, by themselves, to have more than a minimal effect on the rateable value of a private dwelling. As I then446W indicated, on the evidence at present available to me I see little case for considering any special rate relief in respect of such measures. But, as the hon. Member will be aware, my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Energy announced other measures to encourage energy conservation in public and private sector dwellings.