§ 17. Mrs. Mannasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, how many samples of non flammable material have been submitted to the Joint Fire Research Organisation for testing; how many such samples con sisted of material suitable for children's lothing which meets with all the requirements laid down by the Inter-Departmental committee; and in what respects the other samples have failed to meet these requirements.
§ Mr. BevinsOne sample has so far been submitted. This had a reasonably low flammability. No standards for children's clothing have been laid down by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Accidents in the Home, but research is in 737 progress to provide the basis for a standard of flammability.
§ Mrs. MannIs the hon. Gentleman aware that when I last asked this Question I was told that no samples which were really non-flammable had ever been received, and that the Department was working with the United States to arrive at a suitable formula. Since then many firms in this country have been experimenting and have evolved a suitable formula. Will the hon. Gentleman make public the fact that his Department is willing to test these samples?
§ Mr. BevinsI ought to add that a simple method of testing fabrics for flammability has been evolved by the Fire Research Organisation and will very soon be incorporated in a British standard. I think that will be helpful. It would also be helpful if the hon. Member would pay a visit to the Fire Research Station to see what is being done. I should be glad to arrange a visit.
§ Mrs. MannIs it now necessary to enter into negotiations with the United States? Is that not a needless expense?
§ Mr. BevinsI understand that an American firm is working on this problem in this country and has produced results which are more or less parallel with those of the Fire Research Organisation.