To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies he has commissioned into the relative energy conservation merits of (a) pre-world war one, (b) inter-war, (c) post-war and (d) new hospital buildings; what further studies he will commission into this subject; and if he will publish any available information or figures.

The monitoring of energy efficiency in NHS hospitals in England and Wales is a continuous process. The data produced by the NHS does not distinguish between the variety of buildings within the estate.Studies in England have majored on the development of low energy hospital buildings with the object of minimising energy consumption. The results of these studies are being used to promote energy efficiency in all new buildings and where appropriate in existing buildings. In 1985 the Welsh Office assumed responsibility for energy matters in Wales.