§ Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a considerable number of amendments to the model form of building by-laws submitted by local authorities have been refused by his Department; that in the case of certain authorities such refusal will relax the existing standards of building in the areas concerned; and whether he is prepared to allow amendments in the case of authorities whose existing by-laws secure higher standards of building than those prescribed by the model clauses?
§ Mr. ElliotUnder the Public Health Act, 1936, building by-laws throughout the country made prior to the passing of the Act will lapse in July next. Owing to the shortness of time available to make new by-laws, I have found it necessary to inform local authorities that I cannot now undertake to examine any proposals for new by-laws which involve modifications of the model series unless these 615W suggestions are of a minor character and are fully justified by local circumstances.
As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the model series was prepared with the assistance of an expert advisory committee. Whilst it may be true that some existing series of by-laws contain provisions in respect of certain matters more onerous than those which are incorporated in the model, I have no reason to think that the standards of building prescribed in the model are not as high as can reasonably be required.