§ 25. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will issue guidance to health authorities over the use of furniture containing rubber or plastic foam in view of their potential fire risk.
§ Mr. AlisonWe are continuing investigation of this question, and health authorities will be kept informed of developments.
§ Mr. JonesDoes not the hon. Gentleman understand that there is evidence to suggest that fires involving the use of 204 these foam and rubber compounds, present serious smoke and fume hazards, and that such smoke and fume present in considerable volume in a hospital fire could well prevent the escape of patients?
§ Mr. AlisonI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for writing to us in detail about this matter and for the concern which he shows. We have a problem here in combining in comfortable material, which is essential for hospital patients, the qualities of flame resistance. We are trying to develop a fabric for mattress covers which will be more flame-resistant. We are pressing ahead with developments as rapidly as possible. There is a balance of advantage in both directions here to be considered.