§ 34. Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to be in a position to respond to the concerns of those involved in the self-catering accommodation sector over EC guidelines with regard to fabric content standards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighThe Commission decided, in May 1991 to suspend work on the draft EC Directive on the Fire Behaviour of Upholstered Furniture pending further research into the fire characteristics of materials used in furniture and into test methods. The purpose of this research, as discussed at a consultative meeting in Brussels on 29 January, is to support requirements imposing limits on the burning behaviour of upholstered furniture and the associated emission of smoke and toxic gases. We have made it clear to the Commission that we will retain our Furniture Regulations until a regime consistent with the level of protection in the United Kingdom is available under the directive.
553WAs a quite separate issue, the application of the United Kingdom's Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations to self-catering holiday accommodation has necessitated a wide-ranging review of the legal position with the involvement of other Departments. I am consulting with colleagues about a possible way forward and I hope to be able to make some positive proposals shortly.