§ Mr. Michael J. MartinTo ask the Secretary cif State for the Home Department (1) whether he was consulted by the Building Regulations Advisory Committee on its new proposals regarding fire regulations;
(2) what response he will make to the new proposals on fire regulations in the Building Regulations Advisory Committee report published on 26 June.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) advises the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales on matters concerning the building regulations. My understanding is that the committee held a meeting on 26 June, but its proceedings are confidential and no public report or statement has been148W made about the outcome of that meeting. There is no reason for the committee to consult Ministers or for Ministers to respond publicly to its reports. The Home Office has an observer on the committee and is represented on the committee's fire advisory panel and its stage 2 review committee which have been advising the committee on the fire safety aspects of its proposals. In addition, Home Office officials are in regular contact with officials of the Department of the Environment to ensure that there is no disagreement on the fire safety aspects of any proposed changes to the regulations.
§ Mr. Michael J. MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from chief fire officers with regard to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee proposals to change fire regulations for buildings in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenNo such representations have been received, but I understand that chief fire officers have made their views known to the Department of the Environment both in a written submission from the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association in response to the public consultation document which was issued by the Department in March 1990 and orally at a meeting.