HC Deb 14 June 1973 vol 857 cc1681-4
12. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive a report on the studies now taking place into the fire hazards of plastic foam used in the home; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lane

The main research project is spread over three years, but a close watch is being kept on its progress so that any significant findings can be reported as soon as they occur.

Mrs. Butler

As plastic foam-lined furniture is bought by almost everyone except the very rich, and as so many deaths have taken place because of fires caused by such lining, will the hon. Gentleman say, while we are awaiting the result of the research, whether there is any means of spraying plastic foam, before sale to the public, to render it less flammable? Will he have a discussion with his center hon. Friend in the Department of Trade and Industry about securing a safety standard for such furniture? It is a serious risk to many people.

Mr. Lane

I do not know offhand of any system of spraying, as the hon. Lady suggests. We are keeping in touch with a number of Government Departments. During the development of the research I want to see something of it myself, in order to try to size it up better. The evidence which we have—I want this to be well understood in view of the spreading of some reports, which I consider to be excessively alarmist—is that plastic foam presents no greater hazard than other inflammable materials in the home. All the reports of tragic fires which I have seen suggest that there is more room for improvement in home care than possible faults in materials. That is why, in our publicity programme, we put so much emphasis on fire precaution.

Miss Fookes

Is my hon. Friend aware that plastic foam is not used only for stuffing furniture? It is also used for toys. I should have thought that that presented an additional hazard.

Mr. Lane

Yes, that is absolutely true. There have been one or two cases of fires involving toys. We are not convinced that there is any evidence about spontaneous combustion. That illustrates the importance of the research with which we are pressing on.

Mr. Moate

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is not a question of spontaneous combustion but whether foam contributes to the quantity of inflammable material in domestic premises? Does he agree that there is ample evidence that fires have been caused and deaths have resulted? Will he consider the matter rather more urgently?

Mr. Lane

I am as concerned about this matter as anybody else. With respect, there is no definite evidence that this sort of material is more dangerous than other material. We must also concentrate on people exercising greater care and, for example, not leaving home with young children unattended.