§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in connection with the proposed arrangements for the Joint Fire Research Organisation to come under the control of the Director of the Building Research Station in 1972, he will give an assurance that the present impartial testing facilities at the Joint Fire Research Organisation will continue to be under the control of his department.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo firm decision has yet been taken about the future relationship of the Joint Fire Research Organisation with the Building Research Station but this is one of a number of organisational matters within the research field now receiving attention. The arrangements for carrying out routine testing of products and materials (as distinct from the development of test methodology) are under review, bearing in mind that the Holroyd Committee on the Fire Service which reported in May last year recommended the separation of this function from research. The responsibilities of the Department in ensuring that such routine testing is properly carried out are recognised and will be maintained.