Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Public Building and Works to what extent it is proposed to replace the defective panelling in Number 10 Downing Street with other wood panelling; whether this will be treated with special flame retardant in accordance with the provisions of the new building regulations; to what extent other recent improvements in 10 Downing Street do not conform with these new building regulations; and what steps he is taking to ensure the reduction to the minimum of any fire risk in that building.
§ Mr. C. PannellThe defective timber panelling in the State Drawing Room will be replaced by metal and plasterboard. The reconstruction of No. 10 Downing Street took place before the new building regulations were drafted. The hon. Member will know that the Crown is exempt from building regulations, but my Department is meticulous in conforming with them.