Furniture (Fire Resistance)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:35 pm on 29 June 1988.

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Photo of Mr John Butcher Mr John Butcher , Coventry South West 4:35, 29 June 1988

I agree with the hon. Lady that the suppliers of foam and materials have made great efforts, and I pay tribute to them for that.

As for whether the exemptions are too wide, as I have just told my hon. Friend the Member for Batley and Spen (Mrs. Peacock), the list of exempted materials will be reviewed periodically, which is as it should be.

Imports will have to comply. Nothing in my statement started from a consideration of importers—that was the least of my considerations.

Stretch covers are less of a potential contributory hazard than loose covers, because of their essential construction in respect of fibre type, weight, and use in stretch form, but they will have to meet a match-resistance requirement when tested over combustion-modified foam. I hope that is helpful.