HC Deb 31 January 1966 vol 723 c668
26. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will introduce into the Building Regulations 1965 a system of blanket waiver, whereby new products can more simply achieve national acceptance and so avoid the delay under the present system, where authorisation of a new product is to be sought for a specific project.

Mr. Boyden

A system of blanket waivers is not possible under present legislation. The powers in Section 6 of the Public Health Act, 1961, to dispense with or relax Building Regulations are exercisable only in relation to particular cases. A particular case may, however, include a number of separate buildings put forward in a single application.

Mr. Costain

Does the Minister realise that oak panelling in a room similar to this Chamber would have to have a special waiver, and does he further realise that if the oak panelling were the front of a cupboard in which books were stored it would not need a special waiver for fire risks? Does he not agree that it is quite absurd and will he not take powers to have a special waiver procedure?

Mr. Boyden

This is being considered in relation to the new legislation which is some time off. If there is any fault in the existing Regulations, the onus of responsibility lies very much on right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite.