§ Mr. Durantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the research into the durability of galvanised ties for use in cavity wall construction being carried out by the Building Research Establishment has now been completed; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyThe results of research work carried out by the Building Research Establishment show that ties galvanised to the minimum requirement in the present British standard are likely to corrode sooner than had been assumed. Reports of this research are being published today by the Building Research Establishment and copies have been placed in the Library. The reports conclude that more durable ties are required for new construction but that the majority of existing buildings are sufficiently robust for widespread problems to be unlikely. As a result of these reports, the British Standards Institution has decided to increase the thickness of galvanising required on mild steel wall ties. An improved standard will take effect from 30 April. My Department is making arrangements to incorporate the improved British standard for wall ties into the building regulations in the normal way.