§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his assessment of the extent to which the housing cost yardstick discourages local authorities from providing tenants with a choice of fuel by ensuring that all new houses have a chimney.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe composition of the housing cost yardstick neither encourages nor discourages the provision of particular features in new public sector dwellings. The choice of heating system is a matter for the individual housing authority to decide, and the Department has no evidence to suggest that the yardstick is preventing local authorities from providing chimneys where they feel it is desirable.