34. Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for codifying the Building Regulations for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonAmendments of the Regulations under the present procedure should be followed by occasional consolidation under a simpler procedure. My right hon. Friend is considering the possibility of legislation to enable this to be done.
Mr. BakerWhile welcoming that statement, may I ask whether the hon. 1365 Gentleman would not agree that it is not before time for steps to be taken because, in some cases, as many as seven Departments have to be consulted, with five sets of plans, before any action is taken? This is not only wasteful but expensive to those who want to develop.
§ Dr. MabonI am grateful to the hon. Member for complimenting us on getting ahead. We have considered the Report of the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments on this matter. We have examined its two suggestions, but it is clear that we will have to consider legislation to do something better in this field.