HC Deb 12 December 1979 vol 975 c636W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the findings of the coroner at the inquest into the fire at Woolworths store in Piccadilly, Manchester, he will end the purchase of furniture containing polyurethane foam for any establishment for which he is responsible; and if he will undertake a review of each establishment to ensure that the present use of this material in no case constitutes a risk to safety.

Mr. Pattie

All new furniture purchased by the Property Services Agency of the Department of Environment on behalf of the MOD meets the standard recommended for legislation by the Department of Trade. But it would not be practicable to end the purchase of furniture containing polyurethane foam. However, measures exist to reduce the fire risk in specal areas.