§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to harmonise the building regulations fire safety requirements in(a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland and Northern Ireland; what representations he has received from fire officers on the operation of the current requirements in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThe current review of the building regulations aims to achieve a greater degree of technical consistency between the provisions for England and Wales, and the requirements for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thirty-six fire authorities made representations about the operation of the current requirements in the course of a study commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry, in conjunction with the Home Office and my Department last year.