asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for how long the possibility of changing public building regulations in both public sector and private sector housing has been under discussion between his Department and other interested parties; and when he expects a decision to be reached.

Building regulations are kept constantly under review. Before making building regulations the Secretary of State is required to consult the Building Regulations Advisory Committee and such other bodies as are representative of the interests concerned. The next set of amendments to affect housing was the subject of consultative letters sent out in March, June and August 1977. It is hoped that the regulation will be made by the middle of 1978.