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Bison Wall Frame System

Volume 23: debated on Tuesday 4 May 1982

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asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has studied the statement of the leader of Hillingdon council that the Bison wall frame construction system was known and proven to be faulty; what has been the total expenditure on buildings constructed by this system; and whether he will appoint an investigation committee to go into all aspects of this matter.

I have read the reports in the press of statements made by the chairman of the Hillingdon housing committee relating to the Bison construction system. The total expenditure on buildings constructed in this system is not known. I have already set up, in conjunction with the local authority associations, a defects prevention unit at the Building Research Establishment whose function is to advise local authorities on design and site practices, and to assist in the prevention of building defects. Given that the Bison system was designed more than 15 years ago and, as far as I am aware, is no longer being used by local authorities, I do not consider it would be worthwhile to set up a committee as proposed by the hon. Member.