HC Deb 15 February 1971 vol 811 cc344-5W
Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to prevent the building of houses which develop major faults in a short time.

Mr. Channon

The Building Regulations, which are enforced by local authorities who inspect buildings in the course of construction, are intended to ensure that all new buildings are structurally sound. Additionally, about 95 per cent. of all new houses built for sale are covered by the National House-Builders Registration Council's scheme, which specifies constructional standards and provides for inspection of the work. I do not think further Government intervention is called for.

Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek powers to provide protection for second purchasers whose claims are not met by the National Housebuilders' Registration Council, in cases where defects are due to faulty building within seven years.

Mr. Channon

The National House-Builders Registration Council's scheme for protecting purchasers against defects in new houses already covers faults which develop after a subsequent purchaser has contracted to buy. This scheme now embraces major structural defects for a period of 10 years from completion of the dwelling.