Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Andrews (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 May 2009.

Energy: Light Bulbs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they have issued to developers concerning the use of three-pronged bayonet bulbs in new houses and the issuing of information about them to potential purchasers.

Answer: Guidance in the Building Regulations Approved Document for Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) for new homes calls for a proportion of fixed light fittings that can only take low-energy lamps to be installed as reasonable provision. No particular make or style of light fitting is specified. It is also a requirement under Part L that the owner of a building should be provided with sufficient information about the fixed building services (lighting, heating, ventilation systems etc) and their maintenance requirements so that the building can be operated in such a manner as to use no more fuel and power than is reasonable in the circumstances. We shall shortly be consulting on proposed revisions to Part L, which will include revised guidance on low-energy lighting to take into account developments in the lighting market, particularly the phasing out of tungsten filament lamps resulting from an EU regulation under the energy-using products directive.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3633; 710 c319WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Conservation Construction Building regulations Housing Information Energy Lighting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk