§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the advantages of amending the Building Regulations to make it obligatory to conform to the highest energy—saving standards; and if he will make a statement. [3188]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Building Regulations require only that reasonable provision should be made for the conservation of fuel and power. They do not make it obligatory to conform to the highest energy—saving standards. The regulations were last amended in July 1994 and the changes came into effect in July 1995. In the normal way, arrangements have been made to assess the advantages gained from the changes after two to three years' experience.