HC Deb 04 February 2004 vol 417 cc919-20W
9. Dr. Whitehead

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to encourage greater energy efficiency in new house building. [152489]

Phil Hope

The Energy White Paper, published on 24 February, announced that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister would start work immediately on the next major revision of the Building Regulations. This work has started and using the energy efficiency provisions of the Building Regulations we aim to bring new standards into effect in 2005.

Mr. Jack

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to assess the impact on North West house builders of his current housing policy. [152481]

Keith Hill

The housing policies in Regional Planning Guidance are monitored by the North West Regional Assembly. A full review of the housing figures in Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) will take place in 2006.

Ms Oona King

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the number of(a) households, (b) people, (c) accommodation units and (d) dwellings that will fall within the scope of the mandatory houses in multiple occupation licensing scheme proposed in the Housing Bill. [152182]

Keith Hill

The Government estimate that about 120,000 houses in multiple occupation will be licensed under the mandatory licensing scheme proposed in the Housing Bill. It is estimated that 360,000 to 450,000 dwellings up to 720,000 households (including single person households) will be protected by the regime.