§ Mr. Ken HargreavesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures will be required to ensure that sprinkler systems will be effective during the lifetime of a building following the introduction of new building regulations on 10 December 1991.
§ Mr. John PattenI have been asked to reply.
Section 15 of the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 will be implemented to enable sprinklers to be cited on fire certificates as a means of fighting fire. I also plan to make regulations under section 12 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 to provide for the maintenance of such systems installed for the purpose of building regulations in non-certified premises. These measures will take effect from 1 June 1992.