§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, when implementing the EEC construction products directive interpretation document TC 2/020 "Safety in Case of Fire", he will require the independent certification of emergency equipment including emergency lighting and fire alarms to the appropriate European standard.
§ Mr. YeoThe EC construction products directive, 89/106/EEC, has been implemented in the United Kingdom by means of the Construction Products Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991, No. 1620). These regulations came into force on 27 December last year.
The subordinate requirements for the certification of those construction products within the scope of the directive will be established at EC level. The decisions on this will be taken by the European Commission and the Standing Committee of Member States' representatives set up under article 19 of the directive.
The Department recognises the vital health and safety significance of construction products used to secure protection in case of fire. The line taken in EC negotiations on certification requirements will be determined in the light of negotiations with appropriate United Kingdom trade, professional and regulatory authorities.