§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why under the new model byelaws, all reinforced concrete columns used in buildings have to be 10 inches square or larger, no matter whether this strength of material is necessary or not; and if he will have this reconsidered so that smaller columns may be used where appropriate.
§ Mr. SandysThe model byelaws do not contain such a requirement. It would seem that my hon. Friend has in mind the requirements relating to fire resistance, which are naturally more exacting.
§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that approval for many buildings needed in certain cities is being withheld by the local authorities who have based their regulations on the new model bye-laws, although buildings designed with similar construction are being put up in other cities where the model byelaws have not been adopted; and if he will take steps to bring this anomaly to an end.
§ Mr. SandysI should be grateful if my hon. Friend will be good enough to send me particulars of the cases he has in mind.
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§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will review the latest model byelaws, with the object of cutting out existing anomalies, and of discovering where economies in construction are possible without prejudicing the strength of the buildings and while taking advantage of the new regulations.
§ Mr. SandysThe latest model building by-laws were drawn up with the advice of an authoritative and fully representative committee and as they were issued as recently as 1952 it is rather early to consider amending them. If, however, my hon. Friend would care to send me his proposals I will see that they are taken into account when the next review is undertaken.