asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what research he is carrying out into the inflammability of upholstered chairs and settees; and if he intends to introduce legislation to get furniture manufacturers to treat their products with anti-inflammable chemicals.

A considerable amount of research, including Government-sponsored projects, has been undertaken into the flammability of upholstered furniture and this has led to the publication by the British Standards Institution of a document (DD58:1978) setting out test methods for determining the ignitability of furniture of this kind. I intend to consider, as a matter of urgency, the feasibility of basing regulations on these tests. I have already held discussions in a working party now being set up by my Department. One way of complying with any such regulations would be to use fire retardant additives but alternatives which are equally acceptable should, I think, be permitted.