asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has noted the contents of a recent publication by the Construction Industry Federation which comments on the fire risk arising from the use of plastics in furniture upholstery; and, if so, the action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Risks.
18.
I have read the report referred to by the Deputy. The report states that statistics over a ten-year period do not suggest that use of plastic materials mainly polyurethane foam in the manufacture of furniture has increased the fire risk. I believe the overall conclusion to be drawn from the report is that polyurethane, like all alternative materials, presents some dangers peculiar to itself but that these are not sufficiently great to warrant restricting the use of polyurethane when regard is had to its manifest advantages such as cheapness, cleanliness and comfort. At the request of the Minister for Industry and Commerce, the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards in January, 1975, circularised furniture manufacturers recommending the use of low-flammability materials for covering polyurethane foam padding. Unless further investigations being carried out abroad produce evidence to the contrary, I would not consider that more restrictive action, which would almost certainly increase the price of furniture, would be justified.