§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the consumer safety implications of the use of sprays marketed for the purpose of treating covers on flammable foam-filled furniture to make such furniture less flammable.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 17 January 1989]: Most of the spray fire-retardant treatments for furnishings now on the market can be quite effective, but they have limitations. The effectiveness depends on the amount taken up and this in turn depends on the fibre of which the fabric is made. Whilst a cotton fabric will absorb the requisite amount of fire retardant in water solution, the same fabric with a stain resistant finish may not, nor will many synthetic fibre fabrics. The feel of the fabric may be affected by the presence of the fire retardant salts. Because these treatments are water based they can be removed by spillage or by sponging. Treatment of the cover fabric will not affect the flammability of the foam. In consequence, use of such sprays to treat curtains is likely to be more reliable than treatment of furniture. Thorough and even treatment is required to ensure effectiveness, and in this respect professional treatments may be more reliable than do-it-yourself products.
There is now greater public awareness than formerly of the fire risks of furniture and furnishings. But for some years to come the furniture in most people's homes will not be made to the requirements of the new regulations. So people are likely to show increased interest in spray fire-resistant treatments. This makes it very important that they should not be misled about the effectiveness of such treatments, and we look to the trade to ensure that their instructions are adequate and their claims accurate.