HC Deb 17 July 1972 vol 841 cc40-1W
Miss Quennell

asked the Secretary of Stat for Social Services what guidance he gives local authorities and hospital boards, responsible for the maintenance of institutions for the care of helpless and infirm people, about the use of inflammable construction materials, especially inflammable paints.

Sir K. Joseph

Hospital Design Note No. 2 (Protection against Fire) gives general guidance to all hospital authorities about the use of non-combustible materials in building construction and supplementary guidance has been given about the painting of surfaces.

The Home Office Fire Prevention Note No. 2/1964 on fire precautions in old persons' homes, sent to local authorities under cover of Ministry of Health Circular 11/65, and the memorandum on fire precautions in approved schools, children's homes and similar establishments sent under cover of Home Office Circular 25/64—responsibility for child care matters then rested with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department—give advice on fire-resisting construction.