§ Mr. Burtasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government-funded research is being carried out into the flammability of foam-filled furniture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherThe Government have contributed to the funding of research at Queen Mary college, University of London, into flexible polyurethane foam which when burnt has a reduced propensity for emitting smoke and toxic gas. Some results of this research are promising. Applications for patents have been made. A final report is expected in the autumn.
The Government have also contributed to work undertaken at the Rubber and Plastics Research Associaion into standardising ignition sources for testing furniture, with a view to obtaining international agreement on appropriate standards.
§ Mr. Burtasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to research other than Government-funded research being carried out into the flammability of foam-filled furniture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherWe are advised from time to time of allegedly new discoveries for reducing the flammability of foam-filled furniture. None has yet fulfilled the ultimate 395W requirement of enabling manufacturers to make their full variety of furniture resistant to match ignition (or otherwise of significantly reduced flammability) without imposing some burdens of increased cost and reduced comfort. Some of these advances have found application in the manufacture of contract furniture for a variety of purposes. Development of such techniques, so that they may he applied in the domestic market, is clearly very desirable.