To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the building regulations in order to improve soundproofing; and if he will make a statement. [8344]

Each part of the Building Regulations is kept under review and revised when the need is identified and adequate technical solutions are available. The Building Regulations Advisory Committee has advised the Department that there is a need to revise and strengthen Part E—Resistance to the passage of sound, and my officials have begun a review of the options available. Any changes made will draw on the results of research when this is completed.