§ 24. Mr. Costainasked the Minister of Public Building and Works, in view of the fact that economies would be made in building costs and building programmes would be further accelerated if the recommendations of the Committee on Building Regulations were accepted, if he will introduce legislation to implement these recommendations.
§ Mr. C. PannellProposals for legislation on the lines recommended by the Building Regulations Advisory Committee were circulated to interested bodies for comment in July. I am now examining the comments received and propose to proceed with further discussions with a view to legislation.
§ Mr. CostainWhile I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he does not find some embarrassment in that he is not a Member of the Cabinet, like his predecessor, in order to get priority for this sort of legislation?
§ Mr. PannellNo, Sir; I do not find that at all. I can only tell the hon. Gentleman that I have been concerned with the work of this Department for 18 hours a day since I have had the job and could not have spared any time for the Cabinet.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long it will be before he is able to give his decision in this matter?
§ Mr. PannellI am told that the proposed legislation will undoubtedly result in increased economy and efficiency. I shall introduce it as soon as I can, but there are a number of complex technical issues which remain to be resolved.