§ 3.10 p.m.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the safety aspects involved, they will state the difference between the tests made for British Standard 3121 and those for British Standard 3120.]
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, British Standard 3120 relates to flameproof materials, and British Standard 3121 to fabrics described as of low flammability. The former is more stringent. To qualify for the description "flameproof", the material when tested in the prescribed manner must not continue to flame for more than eight seconds after the igniting flame has been removed, and the extent of afterglow and charring or melting of the material must be within specified limits. To qualify for the description of "low flammability" the fabric when tested in the prescribed manner must have a minimum flame-resistance rating—that is the rate of spread of the flame must not be more rapid than the specified minimum. Alternatively, the flame must die out before it has spread beyond a certain point on the test piece. Both standards require the materials to pass the tests before and after having been subjected to a specified washing treatment, which is repeated twelve times.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, too, may I ask him whether he would consider the point that what is really required by the shopper of there flameproof or low flammability garments is really that, if they are 976 labelled as such, their finish will remain for the life of the garment? Is he aware that the point at issue is that it really is not of any use, although the scientists require it, to say that something will withstand so many washes or so many hours of washing, because the housewife is not going to mark off each hour of washing? Will he draw to the attention of the Committee considering this matter the point that if garments are labelled "flameproof" the public will consider that this finish remains until the life of the garment is over?
§ LORD DERWENTWe are quite aware of that point, and, as the noble Baroness probably knows, that is one of the points which may cause a little delay, even if not nine months' delay.