§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many responses he has received to his Department's consultation document on building regulations (conservation of fuel and power); and what proportion(a) endorsed the Government's insulation proposals, (b) wished to see a reduction in, or postponement of, the Government's insulation proposals and (c) sought an improvement in the Government's insulation proposals giving a greater reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and an improved rate of energy conservation.
§ Mr. BaldryA total of 170 responses have been received to the consultation document which proposed strengthening of the building regulations for the conservation of fuel and power. The proposals include improved standards of insulation for roofs, walls, floors, windows and doors together with alternative higher standards for rook and floors.
To date the Department has analysed 70 per cent. of the responses. Of these:
- (a) 26 per cent. favour the recommendations in the consultation document. A further 28 per cent. did not specifically comment on the insulation standards, and it could be assumed that they are also content with the proposals;
- (b) 8 per cent. wished to see the alternative higher standards for roofs or floors;
- (c) 8 per cent. wished to see a reduction or postponement of the insulation proposals; and
- (d) 30 per cent. sought an improvement in one or more of the insulation standards.
In deciding what action to take in the light of these responses, the reasoning behind the arguments advanced will of course be given due weight rather than relying on a numerical breakdown of this sort.