asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what help his Department has given towards the prevention of damp in new houses and flats since the publication of the two pamphlets by the National Building Agency ; and if he will issue relevant regulations.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to booklets published, one by the old Ministry of Public Buildings and Works and the other by my Department. They came out in 1970 and 1971 respectively and were part of a major publicity exercise about condensation. Proposals will shortly be circulated for amending the thermal insulation requirements of the building regulations, with a view of reducing condensation in the interests of health. Meanwhile, I am advised, the British Standards Institution is working on a code of practice on condensation.