HC Deb 21 February 1973 vol 851 cc132-3W
Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the fact that paragraph 60 of Command Paper No. 5170 concerning burning polyurethane foam conflicts with the known burning characteristics of polyurethane foam as determined in Technical Data Sheet No. 29, he is satisfied that sufficient independent expert advice was available to the committee of inquiry into the fire at Coldharbour Hospital, Sherborne; and if he will reconsider the findings.

Sir K. Joseph

No. Given the nature of the furnishing of the ward involved in the fire I am satisfied that the committee of inquiry obtained all the expert advice that was necessary.

Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the specification required for mattresses supplied to establishments within his responsibili- ties, in accordance with the bedding standard of his Department, referred to in paragraph 39, Command Paper No. 5170, the date such standard was established, and whether any amendments have subsequently been made recognising the dangers associated with polyurethane foam as outlined in Technical Data Sheet No. 29 published by the Department of the Environment.

Sir K. Joseph

No, but I am providing the hon. Member with copies of the specifications. The possibility of amending these is being kept under review, taking into account all current research.

Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the failure of the committee of inquiry to investigate the probability of a connection between the blue flame observed and burning polyurethane foam, a characteristic now familiar in fires involving expanded foam, if he will examine the hypothetical conclusion contained in paragraph 65, Command Paper No. 5170, in the light of a more probable cause of fire being self-combustion within the expanded foam specified for furnishings by his Department.

Sir K. Joseph

No. I am satisfied with the conclusion reached by the committee of inquiry on the probable cause of the fire.