§ 5. Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will pre-stressed structures to lodge design introduce regulations requiring builders of information with local authorities on completion.
§ The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Reginald Freeson)We are considering this in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive.
§ Mr. RookerI am pleased by that reply, because there is great concern in the building industry that, in 50 or 100 years' time, when some of the great monstrosities which have recently been erected are demolished, the removal of certain lintels without knowledge of the stresses involved could bring the whole lot down like a pack of cards. May we have an early statement on the regulations?
§ Mr. FreesonI appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. We are examining the situation and will come to a conclusion as soon as we can.
§ Mr. CostainDoes not the question show some ignorance of the Building Regulations? Should stress designs and calculations not be put in before a building is built and not afterwards? Do local councils throw these things away?
§ Mr. FreesonThat may be taken as a humorous remark.
§ Mr. CostainIt was not meant to be.
§ Mr. FreesonIt seems to have caused a good deal of humour, but the Question relates precisely to the point that my hon. Friend is trying to make seriously, namely, the desirability of registering the design and make-up of the structures with the local authorities at the time that they are installed or about to be installed.