§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what provision he is making in the Codes of Regulations to control the use of highly inflammable foam material used in furnishings;
(2) what provision he is making in the Codes of Regulations concerning the storage of polyether foam used in furniture manufacture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithMy Department is at present investigating foam plastic materials (including polyether foam) used in furniture manufacture in relation to their fire dangers and relevant research is also going on at the Fire Research Station at Boreham Wood. It is important to have all the findings before deciding whether any fresh regulations are needed.
§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has for amending the Rag and Flock Act, 1936, to include provisions for controlling the use of highly inflammable foam material in bedding and furnishings.
§ Mr. SharplesI have been asked to reply.
Regulations relating to the flammability of foam materials used in bedding and 416W furniture could, if necessary, be made under the Consumer Protection Act, 1961, but my right hon. Friend does not consider that such regulations would be justifiable at the present time.