§ Mr. Ken HargreavesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to make it obligatory to evacuate a building constructed on the trade-off principle if the sprinkler system becomes inoperative for any reason.
§ Mr. YeoProvision for the ongoing maintenance of sprinklers installed for the purpose of Building Regulations in non-certificated premises will be included in regulations to be made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. These will be made under section 12 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and are intended to take effect on 1 June 1992. Fire officers enforcing those regulations will wish to ensure that adequate alternative arrangements are made whenever a sprinkler becomes inoperative during the time a building is occupied. Such measures may include fire safety management procedures, and may need to involve a partial restriction or prohibition on the use of all or part of the premises.