HC Deb 15 December 1982 vol 34 cc280-1
12. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to bring Scottish building regulations into line with those of England and Wales.

Mr. Allan Stewart

In the review of our regulations, as already announced, we are noting developments in England and Wales. But we must have close regard to the views of Scottish interests and the different emphases in building design and practice north and south of the border.

Mr. Chapman

Does my hon. Friend agree that the scope, form and administration of building regulations in England and Wales will be radically altered, I believe to the benefit of all, if parts II and III of the current Housing and Building Control Bill 1982 go through? Does he think it would be appropriate then to change the Scottish regulations, wherever practical, to bring them into line with the rest of Great Britain? Does he think that there is a good case for strengthening the Scottish thermal insulation standards to bring them into line with those in England and Wales?

Mr. Stewart

With regard to my hon. Friend's first point, I assure him that we continue to pay the closest attention to developments in England and Wales. I entirely agree with the objective of my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction of simplifying building regulations. I accept what my hon. Friend says about thermal insulation standards. We shall be introducing regulations to require higher standards in Scotland in the interests of energy conservation and to harmonise building standards throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. William Hamilton

Is the Minister satisfied that the building firm of Barratt is complying with all the building regulations? Is it not building the slums of tomorrow in Scotland? Is the Minister aware that I and many others would not have one of those houses as a gift?

Mr. Stewart

The hon. Gentleman wishes to dictate his preferences to others. Barratt is subject to the same building regulations as every other builder. Private builders build houses that people want to live in, where they want to live and at prices that they can afford. The hon. Gentleman might not like that, but the process is of great benefit.