§ Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to improve the standards of fire safety in newly-constructed private dwelling houses; and if he has any plans to give the fire service authority to intervene in matters relating to newly-constructed private dwelling houses.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggAll new buildings have to meet the requirements of part B of the Building Regulations 1984 relating to structural aspects of fire safety. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is currently undertaking a review of all building regulation requirements and a consultation paper will be issued when the part of the review concerning fire is completed. I do not have plans to give the fire service authority in these matters, for which responsibility rests with building control authorities.