asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is taking to encourage the search for substitutes for polyurethane foam which would be less hazardous for the consumer in the event of a fire.

Proposals for developing new forms of polyurethane foam or substitutes for the material could be eligible for assistance under the product and process development scheme or by the requirements boards. The industry is itself undertaking substantial safety work in this area and I see no present need for the Department to take further specific action to encourage research of the kind suggested.