HC Deb 03 February 1964 vol 688 cc122-4W
Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what further consideration he proposes to give to the use in this country of the French Agrément System for testing and approving building materials and methods.

Mr. Rippon

I have appointed a Committee to inquire into the French Agrément System and the possibility of introducing comparable arrangements in the United Kingdom. Its full terms of reference areTo examine the origins, purpose and operations of the French Agrément System to consider whether there is a need in the United Kingdom for arrangements for testing and proving materials, components and methods of building of a more formal nature than those which already exist, and, if so, to examine questions of organisation and finance; to obtain the views of interested organisations, particularly those in the building industry and the associated professions; and to make recommendations.

The Chairman of the Committee is Sir Donald Gibson, C.B.E., D.C.L., M.A., F.R.I.B.A., M.T.P.I., Director General of Research and Development, Ministry of Public Building and Works. The members of the Committee are:

  • Mr. L. A. Bayman.
  • Mr. P. L. Cocke, F.R.I.B.A., A.A.Dipl.
  • Mr. Gontran Goulden, O.B.E., T.D., F.R.I.B.A.
  • Mr. W. Kirby Laing.
  • Mr. T. Sibthorp, F.R.I.B.A., A.R.I.C.S., A.M.T.P.I.

The Committee will be assisted by assessors from the Building Research Station and my Ministry.

I should be glad if any person or any organisation wishing to provide evidence would send it to the Secretary, Committee on Agrément, Room 332, Ministry of Public Building and Works, Lambeth Bridge House, S.E.1.