HC Deb 29 June 1983 vol 44 cc89-90W
Mrs. Rumbold

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied that the safety regulations applying to the storage of chemicals and inflammable goods on urban industrial sites offer sufficient protection from damage by noxious fumes if fire occurs.

Mr. Gummer

We are naturally very concerned about this problem, but usually noxious fumes produced by fire or released as a result of fire do not give rise to a serious risk to persons, except those at or very close to the fire, as the fumes are carried upwards by strong thermal currents produced by the heat of the fires itself.

The Health and Safety Executive is carrying out a review of its regulations and guidance, and I expect fresh proposals from the Health and Safety Commission towards the end of the year.