HC Deb 19 December 1979 vol 976 c272W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the coroner's findings at the inquest into the fire earlier in the current year at the Woolworths store in Piccadilly, Manchester, he will draw the attention of local social service authorities to the dangers of the use of polyurethane foam in furnishings, particularly in so far as it concerns residential accommodation for elderly and disabled people, and to the desirability of substituting safer materials.

Sir George Young

Guidance to local social services authorities on fire risks associated with furniture, furnishings and textiles was issued under cover of a letter (LASSL(76)7) dated 17 August 1976. The guidance referred to the risks attached to furnishings filled with polyurethane foam but it is being revised in the light of further experience and recent research.