§ Ms GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he proposes to improve energy conservation in the housing stock in Scotland. [12858]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonThe Home Energy Conservation Act 1995, which was introduced in Scotland on 1 December 1996, will promote conservation by requiring local authorities to draw up strategies to achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency in residential accommodation. Local authorities have been set a target of a 30 per cent. improvement over the next 10 to 15 years. For new homes, the building regulations are to be amended to include a requirement for an energy rating. This will also strongly encourage conservation.