Mr. Ronald W. Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will initiate discussion with the furniture industry with a view to the urgent development of a new safe foam at a reasonable price; and if he will consider introducing legislation which would enable him to reduce the mark up on furniture from the present level of 100 per cent. to 33⅓ per cent. in order to facilitate the use of the new product.
§ Dr. VaughanI do not consider that the foam manufacturers need to be reminded of the importance of developing, at a reasonable price, foam filling for domestic furniture that would better resist the dangers of fire. The manufacturers have already committed substantial resources on research into safer foams. Their latest research, which is designed to deal with the problem of smoke and toxic gases from burning foam, is receiving Government financial support through the Materials and Chemicals Requirements Board. I shall keep progress under review.
I see no case for introducing legislation to control the mark up on furniture.