Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 28 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, when he plans to extend requirements to comply with building regulations to those ex-nationalised industries which are excluded; and when he expects to reach conclusions about minimising the range of Crown exemptions under these regulations.

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he plans to extend requirements to comply with building regulations to those ex-nationalised industries which are excluded; and when he expects to reach conclusions about minimising the range of Crown exemptions under these regulations. [224355] Phil Hope: Amendments made to the Building Act 1984 by the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004 will allow the exemption from the requirements of the Building Regulations granted to statutory undertakers to cease to have effect. The Government will shortly be consulting on the removal of this exemption. At present the Crown has immunity from complying with the requirements of the Building Regulations. There is provision in the Building Act 1984 for the partial removal of this immunity. The Government would need to consult with those covered by the immunity about how far and how quickly it should be removed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 224355; 432 c1192W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Buildings Building regulations Crown immunity Nationalised industries
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk