§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why standards governing the flame resistance of children's night-clothes differ between nightgowns and pyjamas.
§ Mr. FletcherThe existing regulations, which date from 1967, are concerned only with the safety of nightdresses, which because of their loose fitting design have been the cause of more accidents. Pyjamas fit more closely to the body and do not pose so great a risk. Moreover cotton, which is the most popular fabric used for pyjamas, has to be chemically treated to enable it to meet the flammability standard and the treatment available at present would not only affect the feel and comfort of the fabric but also increase its cost. Mandatory compliance would therefore restrict consumers' choice.
Nevertheless, in the current review of the regulations I am proposing that suppliers of pyjamas shall in future be required to attach a label to them which indicates their flamability, so that purchasers will be able to identify the safer ones.