HC Deb 29 June 1976 vol 914 cc96-7W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the PSA is currently allowing or specifying the use of admixtures containing calcium chloride in reinforced concrete on its estate, or in buildings which will become part of its estate; and, if not, when its use was discontinued.

Mr. Freeson

When the Property Services Agency purchases or leases a building it is subject to a professional investigation into all aspects of its construction, including the use of calcium chloride, before the transaction is completed. The use of calcium chloride in buildings constructed under the agency's direction has not been allowed or specified since September 1974.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when each of the 11 buildings in the PSA estate, referred to in his answer on 21st June, was constructed.

Mr. Freeson

The dates of construction of the 11 buildings are: Ministry of Works huts at Halton, 1944; Plawsworth, 1945; Crook, 1945; Harrogate, 1938; and Beverley—incorrectly given earlier as Birtly—1943: four buildings at RAF Finningley, about 1938; Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, Titchfield, 1971; and Warren Springs Laboratory, Stevenage, 1958.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report names of the local authorities referred to in his answer of 21st June 1976 (Official Report, column 405).

Mr. Freeson

Over the past 12 years or so the Building Research Establishment has received information on some 30 instances of deterioration of reinforced concrete containing calcium chloride. Some of the buildings concerned are in local authority ownership, but details of the authorities concerned and of the location and use of the buildings are not readily available. The information was in any event given to BRE in confidence.