HC Deb 15 December 1986 vol 107 cc381-2W
39. Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what design guidance and requirements his Department is issuing to local authorities and housing associations for new housing and housing renovation work to encourage them to use passive solar housing techniques and technology.

Mr. David Hunt

My Department is supporting a comprehensive research and development programme aimed at providing detailed advice on passive solar design for both domestic and non-domestic buildings in the United Kingdom. In the next three years over 20 design handbooks, housing layout guides, books and technical reports will be published as part of our programme. In addition we are examining a number of techniques to improve technical transfer and demonstrate that passive solar design is economically attractive now.

Expenditure on passive solar this year is expected to reach £1 million, an increase of over £0.4 million from 1985–86 and grow to over £2.5 million a year by 1988–89.