Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2007. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 May 2007 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Oil Fired Technical Association

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to undertake a review of the Oil Fired Technical Association self-certification scheme; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) operates competent person self-certification schemes authorised under the Building Act 1984. It is only this part of OFTEC’s activities that Communities and Local Government has powers to review.There are currently no plans for specific review of the OFTEC schemes. However, we are currently reviewing the conditions of authorisation of all competent person schemes. As part of that review we are considering the scope for requiring schemes to achieve United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation against the conditions of authorisation. UKAS would then periodically review all schemes on the Department's behalf.

Secondary information