§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the cost-effective calculations used by his Department in respect of proposed changes to the thermal insulation section of the building regulations.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe proposals for higher insulation standards in dwellings, contained in the recent consultation letter, assumed that the price of fuel would be at least double in real terms by the year 2000.
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§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of public sector and private sector homes below accepted standards of insulation; and what is his estimate of the cost of insulating an average three-bedroom house up to accepted standard.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergFollowing are the available estimates:
OWNERSHIP(1) OF LOFT INSULATION BY HOUSEHOLDS WITH ACCESS TO A LOFT SPACE BY TENURE: GREAT BRITAIN: DECEMBER 1979 Million households Council Other(2) No insulation or less than 3 in. in depth(3) 3.3 6.4 Source: Audits of Great Britain Ltd. (1) The estimates are based on a sample of households and are therefore subject to sampling error. (2) 'Other' tenures include housing association owned, owner occupied and privately rented dwellings. (3)The thickness specified in the Homes Insulation Scheme varies according to type of insulation but is generally around 80 mm (3.2 inches). Loft insulation would cost about £54 DIY or £80..84 using a contractor.