HL Deb 11 February 1994 vol 552 cc29-30WA
Lord Swinfen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the review of the extension of Part M (Access and Facilities for Disabled People) of the Building Regulations to housing will be reported to Ministers; and

Whether housing associations and consumer groups have been consulted on the extension of Part M (Access and Facilities for Disabled People) of the building regulations to housing; and

Whether they intend to seek the views of consumer groups prior to making recommendations on the extension of Part M (Access and Facilities for Disabled People) of the building regulations to housing; and

Which housing associations and consumer groups were consulted as part of the Government's review of the application of Part M (Access and Facilities for Disabled People) of the building regulations to housing.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Arran)

The Government have received a number of representations regarding the review of Part M of the building regulations, including some from housing associations and consumer groups who consider that the requirements in the building regulations relating to access and to facilities for disabled people should be extended to cover dwellings. The Building Regulations Advisory Committee is at present examining the desirability and practicability of this. The Government hope to be in a position to make a statement before Easter. Any proposals to extend Part M will then be sent out for consultation with housing associations, consumer groups and other interested parties in the usual way.