§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has to include part M of the Building Regulations in the Government's deregulation programme; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he expects to extend part M of the Building Regulations to include existing buildings and housing.
§ Mr. BaldryBuilding Regulations made under the Building Act 1984 at present make provision for access by disabled people to new non-domestic buildings. I have asked the Building Regulations Advisory Committee to advise me on whether these provisions should be extended to cover certain alterations and changes of use in such buildings. I have also asked it to examine the desirability and practicability of extending the provisions in part M to new dwellings. I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this before Easter. Any plans to introduce new or extended regulations are carefully scrutinised to ensure that the costs do not outweigh the benefits.