§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration has been given by his Department to the recommendation of the Technical Services Agency, that the law requiring the heating of buildings to a minimum of 16 deg. C should be extended to set a similar minimum temperature for housing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThe standard of fitness for human habitation (section 604 of the Housing Act 1985 as amended by schedule 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989) requires that a dwelling-house shall have adequate provision for heating. Circular 6/90 advises that in deciding whether a dwelling-house is or is not unfit, an authority should consider whether the dwelling-house has provision for heating capable of generally maintaining the living room at a temperature of 18 deg. C or more and the other main rooms at a minimum of 16 deg. C.