§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on fire safety in large open-plan single-storey buildings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 28 March 1994]: I have received representations about the safety of both firefighters and the occupants of large single-storey buildings, and about the effect of fires in such buildings on fire service resources, contamination of the environment, 657W loss of property and disruption to the life of local communities. I have also met representatives of the fire service, the Loss Prevention Council and the Institute of Building Control. A scrutiny team is currently looking at fire safety issues, as announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 17 January, Official Report, column 381. In the light of their findings, and of the representations made to me, I shall consider whether any changes should be made to the relevant part of the building regulations.