§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the known fire hazard created by the use of polyure-thane foam, he will issue instructions to the appropriate authorities to ensure the separate tabulation of all fires where polyurethane foam, polystyrene and other polyesters are involved.
§ Mr. LaneI prefer to await the outcome of a number of research projects into the flammability of foam plastics before considering whether further statistical information is required.
§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will hold discussions with the fire prevention branch of the London Fire Brigade, other brigades, and the Fire Brigades Union on the concern felt by those engaged in fire fighting about the fire hazards and danger from toxic fumes when dealing with burning polyurethane foam.
§ Mr. LaneNo. The safety of firemen at fire-fighting operations is kept under review by the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council, on which all fire service interests are represented. The fire service is fully aware of the hazards arising from fires involving polyurethane foam.
§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of new regulations promulgated in the United States of America and due to come into force in 1973, appertaining to the safety tests required to be made on bedding mattresses containing polyurethane fillings, a copy of which is in his possession, he will seek powers to ensure that similar tests are carried out in the United Kingdom.
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§ Mr. LaneI shall consider the need for regulations when I receive the findings of the comprehensive research now being undertaken into the burning behaviour of plastic materials.