§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about impregnation with fire retardant of babies' accessories and the linings of prams, pushchairs and cots.
§ Mr. ForthI have received a number of representations from suppliers of nursery furniture regarding fire retardant treatments for cover fabric.
The fire resistance of nursery furniture was the subject of full consultations in the context of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and the 1989 amendment regulations.
These regulations require that from 1 September 1990 most types of covers on nursery furniture (except baby nests) must pass the match test. The required level of fire resistance can be achieved by alternatives to the use of fire-retardant chemicals. These include the use of certain natural fabrics such as cotton over a fire resistant interliner, or the use of inherently match resistant fabrics.