System-built Housing

HC Deb 22 July 1985 vol 83 cc377-8W

Mr. Simon Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department (a) has conducted and (b) is conducting, into the defects of postwar system-built housing.

Mr. Gow

The Building Research Establishment has a continuing role in identifying lessons to be learnt from problems found in housing, and other types of buildings.

The BRE has carried out a major investigation of prefabricated reinforced concrete houses designed before 1960 and has published several reports. It has also reported on the Smith system.

Name	Profession/Occupation	Appointment Expires
Advisory Committee for England
Mr. P. G. Brackley	Industry	31 May 1986
Mr. P. Conder	Ornithologist	29 November 1986
Dr. B. Green	Ecologist	29 November 1986

The BRE is now engaged in a programme of research into large panel systems of construction and has published a report on Ronan Point and other Taylor Woodrow/ Anglian buildings. BRE has begun work aimed at producing advice on the inspection, maintenance and, where necessary, repair of steel framed houses.