HC Deb 12 December 1979 vol 975 cc627-8W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the coroner's findings on the dangers of the use of polyurethane foam in furniture at the inquest into the fire at Woolworths, Manchester, he will seek powers to set safety standards regarding the use of such material in the cabin furniture of aircraft operated by British airlines.

Mr. Tebbit

These matters are the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. Furnishing materials used in British registered aircraft already have to conform to flame resistant specifications laid down by the authority.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what new consumer protection measures he proposes to take to limit the use of polyurethane foam in furniture, following the coroner's findings in relation to the danger of this material at the inquest into the fire at Woolworths store in Piccadilly, Manchester.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to questions by the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. Roberts) on 5 December. The draft Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations which are due to be re-laid

Mr. Channon

The sums spent on Government advertising in (a) the Labour Weekly, (b) the Morning Star and (c) the Tribune during the last four financial years are:

shortly before Parliament do not limit the use of polyurethane foam in furniture, but all upholstered furniture coming within the scope of these regulations will be required to comply with them, whether or not it contains polyurethane foam.

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