asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he proposes to issue the new building regulations.

It is still my intention to make the regulations and lay them before Parliament during the summer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that progress towards increased productivity in this industry is very much dependent on an early agreement and early introduction of the new regulations? What date does he hope for? Can he see any way of improving upon that date?

This matter worried my predecessor and has worried me more than somewhat as well. The drafting of the regulations, especially the fire sections, has proved to be a complex task and has taken longer than I should have wished. On the latter point, I do not propose to hold another round of consultations before the regulations are made. The interests of the industry will be best served by getting the regulations made as quickly as possible. Any amendments later shown to be necessary can be made subsequently.

Mr. Sharpies:

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to introduce legislation to enforce the regulations and to provide an appeals machinery, as was forecast during the time of the last Parliament?

I could not answer that question now.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that when they are introduced the regulations will be able to operate right away?

The regulations will come into force about six months after they are made to allow the construction industries to adjust their planning to the new requirements.

Is it possible for the regulations to come into force without legislation?

I indicated that I could not answer that question now.