§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the report by the Building Research Establishment on the integrity of trussed rafter roofs was completed in final draft form; on what date it was published; and what 24W was the reason for the lengthy intervening period.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe final draft was ready by the end of last year and sent for printing at the beginning of January. The report was published on 16 February. The intervening period was taken up by printing and arrangements for distribution.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take in the light of the report of the Building Research Establishment entitled"The Integrity of Trussed Rafter Roofs "; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe report calls for further work to increase knowledge of the trussed rafter system and to indicate whether or not any changes are needed. It goes on to draw attention to the need for lateral bracing of larger existing and all new buildings with trussed rafter roofs and for adequate quality control, particularly on site. BRE has the question of further research under consideration and preliminary studies are already in progress or in preparation. Following wide circulation of the report itself, BRE will continue to promulgate the advice on lateral bracing and quality control through its own advisory service and in co-operation with the British Standards Institution and the trade associations.