HC Deb 22 December 1982 vol 34 cc565-6W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the number of dwellings in the United Kingdom insulated by urea formaldehyde foam.

Sir George Young

The current estimate is that between 1 and 1¼ million houses in the United Kingdom have been insulated with urea formaldehyde foam.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department will undertake a study of the Canadian Government's compensation scheme with a view to assisting those whose homes are affected with problems associated with urea formaldehyde insulation.

Sir George Young

The Department is aware of the Canadian Government's scheme but has no plans to institute anything similar in this country.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the local authorities which have now banned or suspended the use of urea formaldehyde foam for insulation purposes.

Sir George Young

This information is not available centrally.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now take steps to ban the use of urea formaldehyde foam for cavity wall insulation; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

No, for the reasons given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction on 8 June to my hon. Friend the Member for Essex, South-East (Sir B. Braine).—[Vol. 25, c.33].