HC Deb 19 May 1975 vol 892 cc223-4W
Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Building Research Establishment has considered using glass reinforced polyester as a possible material for use in the work to make safe high alumina cement beams.

Mr. Freeson

The possibility of using glass reinforced polyester for any remedial work which may be necessary on high alumina cement concrete beams has been discussed with the Building Research Establishment. Apart from the fact that glass reinforced polyester is a relatively untried material, the evidence so far suggests that it would usually prove more expensive than steel supports of a conventional type.

Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he is giving to local authorities which withdraw from negotiating the purchase of flats and houses when it is discovered that high alumina cement has been used as a building material.

Mr. Freeson

None. It is for local authorities themselves to decide, in the light of the general advice we have given on the subject, whether or not to purchase property known to contain high alumina cement concrete.