§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the fact that the delay in issuing his consultation paper on the building control functions of district councils is preventing district councils from planning the most economical staffing of this function, he will take steps to expedite the issue of this document; what is the date on which he presently expects to issue it; and when he expects to announce his decisions resulting from the consultation.
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§ Mr. StanleyIf my hon. Friend is referring to consultation on proposed changes in the form and content of the Building Regulations, the relevant consultation papers were published on 27 May. Detailed proposals for a new set of Building Regulations will be drafted in the light of the comments received. On the question of enabling the private sector to certify compliance with Building Regulations, the Government's initial proposals were set out in paragraphs 19 to 38 of Cmnd. 8179, "The Future of Building Control in England and Wales", and a further technical consultation paper will be issued later this month. These proposals would require primary legislation.