HC Deb 28 March 1980 vol 981 cc707-8W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many building control officers are currently employed in Scotland by (a) central Government, (b) regional authorities, (c) district councils, and (d) the National House Building Council, respectively.

Mr. Rifkind

There are 17 officers in the Scottish Office who administer the building regulations. Information on the number of building control officers employed by local authorities is not available centrally. My right hon. Friend has no responsibility for the National House Building Council.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the actual cost of providing building control services in Scotland for the years 1977, 1978 and 1979; and what percentage of this figure is attributable to local authorities as distinct from central Government.

Mr. Rifkind

The net expenditure on building control services in Scotland was £3.2 million in 1977–78, £3.6 million in 1978–79 and £3.5 million—estimated—in 1979–80. The percentages attributable to local authorities are 91.3 per cent., 90.1 per cent. and 87.6 per cent.—estimated—respectively.