§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce new building regulations or amend existing building regulations, to promote the development of barrier-free housing in terms of(a) new build and (b) renovated or modernised properties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tim SmithMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment intends, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales to consult on a range of building regulation provisions which could be applied to the design of new dwellings for the benefit of disabled people.
Northern Ireland maintains its own building regulations and I will bring forward proposals, once the new requirements for England and Wales are known.
There are no plans to consider the applications of such requirements to existing dwellings subject to renovation or modernisation.