§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what procedures are in place to consult stakeholders on the content of guidance proposed to support the implementation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. [176564]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be producing guidance documents aimed at different sectors. In each case we will be consulting with representatives of the fire industry and the enforcers and with business interests relevant to the sector covered by the guidance document. Consultation will take place as each guide is developed.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will introduce into the Building Regulations limitations on the generation of smoke and toxicity from construction materials; [176565]
(2) whether he proposes to retain compartmentation as the basis of fire protection in non-domestic buildings when Approved Document B to the Building Regulations is next reviewed; [176566]
(3) what plans he has to change the requirements for compartmentation fire protection in large warehouses in the next review of Approved Document B to the Building Regulations. [176567]
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§ Phil HopeThe review of the fire safety aspects of the Building Regulations in England and Wales that is now under way is considering a broad range of issues, including those that the hon. Member has mentioned. Any decision in the future with regard to changes to Approved Document B would need to take account of a range of views, expert advice and of course a full Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister expects to be in a position to publish a detailed public consultation paper, including a supporting draft RIA, early in 2005.