§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present percentage of polyurethane foam that is allowed to be used in furniture and textile manufacture; and what plans he has to seek to reduce its use.
§ Mr. HowardThere are no regulations concerning the percentage or amount of polyurethane foam allowed to be used in the manufacture of domestic furniture and furnishings. The Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations require furniture to resist ignition by a smouldering cigarette and, if labelled resistant, ignition by a match flame. I have no plans as such for reduction in the use of polyurethane foam as a filling material in upholstered furniture and there are as yet no entirely satisfactory replacement materials. However, I am aware of the widespread concern about the behaviour of this material in fires. The Government have funded research aimed at improving the fire resistance of furniture including investigation into alternative filling materials and treatments to reduce the emission of toxic fumes. But it would be wrong to imagine that replacement of polyurethane foam with materials which produce less smoke and fumes when burning would solve the whole problem of fires involving furniture. Resistance to ignition and reduction of the rate of flame spread are equally if not more important; I am at present considering making new or revised regulations or approved standards for resistance to ignition of both upholstered furniture and beds and mattresses.