§ Dr. Summerskillasked the Secretary of Stale for the Home Department what action he is taking, in view of the recent serious fires in Manchester and Sutton Coldfield, concerning the ignitability of polyurethane foam in upholstered furniture and the increasing hazard that this presents.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe appropriate subcommittee of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Councils for England and Wales and for Scotland has already been asked to consider the implications of this development in the context of the operation of the Fire Precautions Act 1971.
Mr. Ronald W. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to the previous questions put to his Department by the hon. Member for Hackney, South and Shoreditch relating to the dangers of polyurethane foam, particularly concerning the previous disaster in an old persons' home, whether he will institute an inquiry into the fire in the building at Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in which several aged residents died, to establish the part played in the tragedy by polyurethane foam.
§ Mr. WhitelawA full investigation is being made into all the circumstances of the fire which occurred at Hartopp Court Nursing Home, Sutton Coldfield, on 20 May, including that of the contribution 297W made by polyurethane foam. In the light of that investigation, I shall consider what further action may require to be taken.