§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether, in view of the fact that in cases of fire, the poisonous fumes given off by furniture containing polyurethane foam can be fatal, he now has any plans to introduce preventive legislation concerning its usage in modern furniture manufacture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John FraserThe main toxic hazard when upholstered furniture burns is presented by carbon monoxide, which is produced in all fires whether or not polyurethane foam is involved. The first priority is to secure a reduction in the ignitability and flammability of upholstered furniture. The practicability of making regulations in order to achieve this272W depends on the availability of a suitable test method and it is therefore necessary to await publication of the British Standard now being prepared by the relevant technical committee of the British Standards Institution, on which my Department is represented.