§ 3.5 p.m.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, may I ask leave to ask the Question standing in the name of my noble friend Lord Bossom.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, seeing the number of tall buildings over twelve storeys high that are now being built or contemplated, they will cause to be issued an appropriate building code for such constructions dealing with strength of materials, forms of construction, general safety, and so forth, such as has been found essential in the country where this type of building was mainly developed.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL WALDEGRAVE)My Lords, I understand from my right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government that preparatory work on reviewing the current model building by-laws which were issued in 1952 by his Department is about to begin, and that the trend towards the construction of more high buildings will certainly be borne in mind in this connection.
§ LORD TAYLORMy Lords, will Her Majesty's Government have regard to the fact that the Victoria Tower was built 100 years ago and still seems to be standing perfectly well, although considerably taller than most of these modern buildings?
§ A NOBLE LORD: Not perfectly well.