HC Deb 19 October 1990 vol 177 cc932-3W
Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans for regulatory or legislative change in relation to technical decision-making involving public safety with regard to new civil engineering structures, new buildings and alterations to existing buildings which involve using computer-based models which are not open to scrutiny by the public in general and the scientific community in particular for commercial or other reasons.

Mr. Michael Spicer

[holding answer 18 October 1990]: No. The building regulations lay down requirements relating to the design and construction of buildings which have to be met to ensure public health and safety. Those who have responsibility for enforcing the regulations must satisfy themselves that the requirements have been met. If they are not satisfied, they can seek further information from the designer and they can have the design cross-checked on an alternative computer package.