§ 72 and 73. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) why additional provisions were added to the Building Regulations 1965, which prevented the use of painting and other surface treatments being taken into account in assessing the working life of a material, contrary to the information given on this 91W subject in the British Standards Institute Code of Practice on the painting of buildings;
(2) what steps are taken by his department to ensure that the provisions of Regulation B 3 of the Building Regulations, 965 do not inhibit the development of new external cladding materials; and what are the present provisions with regard to the testing of such materials before their use can be permitted under this Regulation.
§ Mr. MacCollThe provisions of Regulation B 3 (3) of the building regulations were intended to clarify, not to vary, the position which had obtained under the byelaws. My right hon. Friend is always prepared to consider, along with other proposed amendments of the Regulations, any proposals for altering the list of materials in Regulation B 3, and in relation to any particular material would take account of all available test evidence.