HC Deb 01 March 1966 vol 725 cc1096-7
Q4. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Prime Minister if he will transfer the administration of the National Building Regulations from the Ministry of Public Building and Works to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

The Prime Minister

Not at this stage, Sir.

Mrs. Short

Could I ask my right hon. Friend whether, at some time when he is not too occupied, he will perhaps look at this again, bearing in mind that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government have the machinery and contacts with local authorities?

The Prime Minister

This has been a contentious issue for many years. This particular topic was the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and was transferred to the Ministry of Public Building and Works as recently, I think, as 1964. The argument for this—I think it was a good one—was that the Building Regulations cover not only housing but other forms of buildings.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

While I welcome the amending Regulations from the Ministry of Public Building and Works, is the Prime Minister aware that they appear to have been made without consultation with the appropriate Committee and that the Government are statutorily bound to have that consulation? Will he ask the Minister concerned to make a statement to clear up any doubt which may have arisen in the industry over these Regulations?

The Prime Minister

I will certainly put that to my right hon. Friend. There are Government discussions at the moment about changes in the Building Regulations. I was asked about where it should be. There is a case for housing, because of local authorities, but, on the whole, I support the 1964 decision.