HC Deb 23 March 1970 vol 798 cc950-1
6. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Technology what research is being carried out by his Department into fire resistance of single-storey and multistorey buildings, respectively.

Dr. Ernest A. Davies

Approximately 50 staff at the Fire Research Station are engaged on research concerned with the fire resistance of buildings, and the cost of the work in 1969 was £160,000. The results are applicable to both single storey and multi-storey buildings.

Mrs. Renée Short

My hon. Friend has not answered the Question. What is being done to deal with the problem of single-storey buildings in which the majority of large fires appear to occur and cause the greatest amount of damage? These buildings are not covered by the building regulations about fire resistance.

Dr. Davies

The matter of building regulations is the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The results of any research carried out and any tests of materials, such as doors and frameworks of buildings, carried out by the Fire Research Station are communicated to that Department.