Earl of Dalkeithasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he has now received the report of the Building Research Station on the effects of the January gale on buildings in central Scotland.
§ Mr. MellishYes. I have received the report today and copies have been placed in the Library. The report highlights the need for regular inspection and maintenance of older properties. Although the majority of modern buildings performed satisfactorily, the report stresses the need for strict compliance with prescribed standards for roof construction and the anchoring of roofs to walls.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is drawing the attention of buildings authoritites to the Report. The recommendations concerning codes of practice are being referred by the Building Research Station to the British Standards Institution.