§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the performance of the 14 experimental dwellings erected by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive at New Mossley, Newtownabbey; and what are his intentions for the future regarding timber frame and volumetric factory-produced housing.
§ Mr. David MitchellThis is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive but I understand from the chairman that the position is as follows:
The performance of these dwellings has been highly satisfactory. In the electrically heated units, the running costs monitored over a full year's heating cycle have shown an average weekly cost for space and water heating at less than £5 for warm air system, and less than £6 for night storage heaters. The weekly cost for solid fuel heating has yet to be determined by the Coal Advisory Service, but will be much lower than for a system in a traditionally built structure. The tenants are satisfied with the heating of the dwellings.
Discussions with the regions have begun to seek further tenders for timber frame dwellings on selected contracts, where high wall insulation can be achieved with minimum additional capital outlay. The builder of the volumetric houses has retired and it is unlikely that a viable future programme, big enough to open a factory, can be devised.
The executive has already increased to the higher level the roof space insulation of all new dwellings at tender stage or later, in advance of the building regulations coming into force in 1982.