Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Health whether, under the new hospital programme involving expenditure of some £300 million, the hospitals to be constructed will be subject to the provisions of the new building regulations; and whether he will give an assurance that only constructional methods involving the highest standards of fire resistance will be permitted.
§ Mr. BarberI intend to advise hospital boards to follow the requirements of the new building regulations. With regard to fire precautions, boards are expected to build in accordance with good current practice and I propose to give further guidance on standards shortly. The programme will cost well over twice the sum mentioned by my hon. Friend.