asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will have discussions with the Institution of Structural Engineers about the re-structuring of the Building Regulations.

I am always glad to discuss with professional institutions and other bodies matters concerning the Building Regulations.

Officials of the Department have had two recent discussions with representatives of the Institution of Structural Engineers, and both of these touched interalia on the structure of the Building Regulations.

But does my right hon. Friend appreciate that there is a dichotomy between the Building Regulations, which are mandatory, and the advice given by the Institution through the codes of practice committees which lay down good practice? Does he not think that this should be clarified? Would he look at this again?

We shall shortly be having a further meeting with the Institution of Structural Engineers and I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend says. I greatly appreciate the interest she takes in this matter.