§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has had from the National Association of Fire Officers to his Department's proposed changes to part B of the Building Regulations 1985.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe National Association of Fire Officers considers that the proposals in the Department's consultation paper would lead to a reduction in standards for means of escape in case of fire, and the detailed points that it has made in this connection will be carefully considered. It has also expressed concern about the proposals for relaxations in the requirements relating to the use of fire-resisting and non-combustible materials and for increases in the permissible size of compartments, and suggests that the use of sprinkler systems is not a satisfactory alternative. The association has welcomed the proposals relating to access and facilities for the fire service, and for the provision of smoke alarms in domestic premises.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to reply to the representations received on his Department's proposed changes to certain sections of part B of the Building Regulations 1985 concerning fire.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerA consultation paper setting out proposals for amendments to part B, "Safety in Fire", of the Building Regulations 1985 was issued on 19 March, and comments were invited by 30 June. There has been a considerable number of responses, and these will now be considered in detail by the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, and by the Department's fire advisory panel. While it will not be practicable to send an individual reply to each person who has responded, officials are meeting a number of those concerned to discuss their views. I hope that final decisions on these and other proposals for amendments to the regulations can be taken in the first half of next year.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many responses there have been to the Department's proposed changes to part B of the Building Regulations 1985, relating to reduction of fire resistance periods, increased compartment sizes, and relaxation of non-combustibility requirements; and if he would indicate the proportion in favour of these proposals, and against.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Department has so far received 169 responses to the consultation paper setting out proposals for amendments to part B, "Safety in Fire," of the Building Regulations 1985. The number of responses on the particular aspects referred to have been:
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Number Reductions in fire resistance periods In favour 16 Against 76
Number No view expressed 77 Increased in permitted compartment sizes. In favour 25 Against 50 No view expressed 94 Relaxation of non combustibility requirements In favour 22 Against 42 No view expressed 105