HC Deb 06 August 1980 vol 990 cc191-2W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library copies of the test data which substantiate the fact that plasterboard can satisfy the fire protection requirements of British Standard 476, part 8, together with evidence as to the composition, moisture content, make-up and performance of the material.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Test certificates are the property of manufacturers and some of the information they contain is commercially confidential. Before 1977, however, tests were carried out by the Fire Research Station and the results of some of them were summarised in "Results of fire resistance tests on elements of building construction". I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library details of reports from the fire authorities in England and Wales which show the extent of damage where the following types of lining board were used in the construction of the buildings concerned (a) plasterboard and (b) noncombustible insulating board.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I am advised that it would not be practicable to extract from the United Kingdom fire statistics details on fires in buildings in which lining boards were used.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated saving in construction costs that will result from the approval of plasterboard for use as a non-combustible lining board resulting from proposed changes in the building regulations.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Only certain grades of plasterboard will be so approved. We cannot estimate the extent of possible savings in construction costs, but the proposed amendment will largely consolidate existing practice.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report the names of the fire authorities together with the names of the officers from each such authority who were consulted by his Department concerning the combustibility of plasterboard in connection with proposed changes in the building regulations.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The following organisations representing fire interests were consulted:

  • Association of County Councils.
  • Association of Metropolitan Authorities.
  • Chief & Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association.
  • Fire Brigades Union.
  • Fire Insurers' Research and Testing Organisation.
  • Fire Offices Committee.
  • Fire Protection Association.
  • Fire Service Technical College.
  • Greater London Council.
  • Institution of Fire Engineers.
  • National Association of Fire Officers.

The letter was addressed to each body concerned, and not to individuals.