Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the Housing Executive's recent plan to replace metal window frames with wooden frames on a needs only basis has cost; how much it is anticipated the full replacement course will cost; and for what reasons the scheme was upgraded from needs only to a full replacement programme. [27359]
§ Mr. MossThis is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I have been advised by the chief executive that the Executive adopted a policy to replace all metal-framed windows with wooden frames over a five-year period, in April 1994. Prior to this, metal-framed windows were replaced on a needs only basis, but information about how much the Housing Executive expended in this connection is not available. It is estimated that the full replacement course will cost £30 million over the five-year period. The reasons for the change in policy were the age and condition of the metal framed windows and the concerns expressed by tenants.