Fire Regulations (Hansard, 22 May 1991)

§ Mr. Michael J. Martin
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration has been given to the concern fire officers, insurers and others expressed for the safety of life and property in response to the original consultation paper of March 1990 in preparing the revised England and Wales Building Regulations (Fire).
513W

§ Mr. Yeo
Officials will shortly be meeting representatives of the chief fire officers to discuss their concerns about the proposals which have been put forward for the revision of part B—safety in fire—of the Building Regulations 1985. Similar meetings have already been held with other representatives of the fire service, with fire insurers, and with a considerable number of other bodies who have commented on the proposals. Together with the written comments, the views expressed at these meetings will be fully taken into account when final decisions on these proposals come to be taken.

§ Mr. Michael J. Martin
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the results of consultation on the England and Wales Building Regulations (Fire) will be announced.

§ Mr. Yeo
The detailed outcome of the review of part B—safety in fire—of the Building Regulations 1985 is likely to be anounced in the autumn.

§ Mr. Michael J. Martin
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he intends to take to ensure that the introduction of any new England and Wales Building Regulations (Fire) does not result in higher costs due to higher insurance premiums.

§ Mr. Yeo
There have been discussions with fire insurers about the proposals for the revision of part B—safety in fire—of the Building Regulations 1985. Their views will be fully taken into account when final decisions on these proposals come to be taken. However, the primary purpose of the regulations is to protect the health and safety of people, while fire insurers are also concerned with the protection of property. The regulations represent minimum requirements. There is no reason however why buildings should not be constructed to higher standards to meet any insurance requirements related to the protection of property.