§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to introduce new building regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungNew building regulations came into force last November. Following the policy outlined in the White Paper "Lifting the Burden" (Cmnd. 9571) the requirement of the regulations are now being reviewed further. The aim is that the regulations should be reduced to the minimum required to secure their essential function, which is the preservation of public health and safety. The regulations also have a role in setting basic standards of cost-effective energy conservation. A consultative document will be issued later this year.
§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the current United Kingdom 514W building regulations in respect of the thickness of glass required in (i) internal panelling, (ii) internal doors, (iii) internal windows and (iv) windows with an external face; and what information he has as to the comparable requirements in (a) Norway, (b) Sweden, (c) Finland, (d) Denmark, (e) West Germany, (f) the Netherlands, (g) Belgium, (h) Luxembourg, (i) France, (j) Switzerland, (k) Austria, (l) Italy and (m) Spain.
§ Sir George YoungThere are no specific requirements governing the thickness of glass in the regulations in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. I am not aware of such requirements in the other countries referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what are the current United Kingdom building regulations regarding roof insulation standards; and what information he has as to how these compare with (a) Denmark, (b) Sweden, (c) Finland, (d) Norway, (e) West Germany, (f) Austria and (g) France, respectively;
(2) what are the current United Kingdom building regulations regarding wall insulation standards; and what information he has as to how these compare with (a) Norway, (b) Finland, (c) Sweden, (d) Denmark, (e) France and (f) West Germany, respectively;
(3) what are the current United Kingdom building regulations regarding floor insulation standards; and what information he has as to how these compare with (a) Finland, (b) Norway, (c) Denmark, (d) Sweden, (e) West Germany, (f) Austria, (g) Eire, (h) the Netherlands, (i) Switzerland, (j) France, (k) Spain and (l) Greece, respectively.
§ Sir George YoungI shall answer these questions shortly.