HC Deb 26 July 1990 vol 177 cc376-7W
Mr. Faulds

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the implications of the report by Bickerdike Allen Partners on fire and building regulations on the changes recommended in building requirements affecting fire safety regulations.

Mr. Nicholls

A consultation paper containing proposals for amendments to part B, "Safety in Fire", of the Building Regulations 1985 was issued in March. Responses are now being considered. A number of those who have responded, including the Royal Institute of British Architects, the British Institute of Architectural Technicians, the Association of Structural Fire Protection Contractors and Manufacturers, the Gypsum Products Development Association, and Cape Building Products Ltd., have referred to the recommendations made in the review of fire and building regulations undertaken by Bickerdike Allen Partners. These recommendations have already been accepted by the Government, and are in the course of being implemented. The part B proposals take account of them, and the two documents are intended to form a complementary approach to the improvement of fire safety in buildings.