§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to ensure that all new schools, public buildings and commercial premises are fitted with sprinklers. [86504]
§ Mr. LeslieThere are no immediate plans to introduce amendments to the Building Regulations in relation to the provision of sprinklers.
However, the Building Regulations are under constant review and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister proposes to begin work on a major revision of the fire safety aspects of the Regulations in 2004. The important issue of fire safety in schools, public buildings and commercial premises, are items that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be reviewing. As with any new guidance within an Approved Document, any decision in the future with regard to fire precautions in schools, public buildings and commercial premises would need to take account of a range of views, expert advice and of course a full Regulatory Impact Assessment.