§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the energy efficiency of Scottish housing. [25133]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSubstantial resources of nearly £1 billion have been made available to local authorities and new town development corporations and Scottish Homes respectively in 1995–96 for investment in housing. These allocations are generally not earmarked for specific purposes and it is for local authorities, new town development corporations and Scottish Homes to invest in energy efficiency measures in accordance with their assessment of local housing needs and priorities.
In addition, the Scottish building regulations are currently being revised to set more demanding standards for energy efficiency in new build.