§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what further self-certification schemes are being planned for the construction industry; and whether they will be subject to public consultation. [59188]
§ Dr. WhiteheadA number of organisations have contacted my Department with proposals for self-certification schemes. Each of these schemes will be reviewed on their merits. As there have been two public consultations on self-certification, we do not intend to issue a further public consultation before recognising schemes for work already controlled by the Building Regulations. Individual trade and professional bodies may undertake some consultation, depending on the nature of the schemes they are developing.
The hon. Member may wish to note that my Department issued a consultation document on 20 May entitled "Proposals for new safety requirements for electrical installation work in dwellings", which makes reference to self-certification by competent persons as a means of alleviating some of the financial and administrative burdens the proposed extension of the Building Regulations might create.