HC Deb 16 February 1973 vol 850 cc449-50W
Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence was given to the committee of inquiry into the fire at Coldharbour Hospital, Sherborne, concerning flammability of polyurethane foam; and what were the names and qualifications of the experts who gave such evidence.

Sir K. Joseph

None.

Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what considerations were given to Technical Data Sheet No. 29 and the 1971 Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories when the committee of inquiry into the fire at Coldharbour Hospital, Sherborne, made its recommendations under paragraph 66, Cmnd. No. 5170.

Sir K. Joseph

None.

Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the technical reasons that led the committee of inquiry into the fire at Coldharbour Hos- pital, Sherborne, to ignore the presence of considerable quantities of polyurethane foam; and why it was not considered to be a factor affecting the spread of the fire.

Sir K. Joseph

No. Flammability tests were conducted for the committee of inquiry by the Fire Research Station at Boreham Wood. Only those materials present in sufficient quantities to have significantly affected the spread of the fire were included; polyurethane foam was not one of them, and I am writing to the hon. Member to explain the position.

Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he accepts the statement in paragraph 71, Cmnd. No. 5170, that the high fire risk and emission of toxic fumes from the use of polyurethane foam in bedding supplied to hospitals must be accepted; and in what way such risk and fumes are catered for in hospitals, geriatric wards and mental establishments.

Sir K. Joseph

I do not accept the hon. Member's interpretation of the paragraph quoted since the committee of inquiry does not appear to have had its attention drawn specifically to the use of polyurethane foam in the bedding. Some fire and fume risk is inevitable in all items of bedding including all acceptable types of mattresses and pillows. My Department actively encourages research which I hope may lead to reductions in these hazards. I place the greatest importance on measures to prevent fires and to ensure their early detection; and to the close supervision by staff of smoking by confused patients.