Written question asked by Brian Jenkins (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 1997. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the use of (a) alternatives to medium-density fibreboard and (b) low or zero formaldehyde emission fibreboard in do-it-yourself home construction.

Answer: Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to encourage the use of (a) alternatives to medium-density fibreboard and (b) low or zero formaldehyde emission fibreboard in do-it-yourself home construction. [16065] Angela Eagle: The Department does not consider medium-density fibreboard a risk to health to individuals involved in do-it-yourself activities. Therefore, the Department does not have a policy to encourage the use of alternatives. Like other types of particle board, medium-density fibreboard can give off formaldehyde gas (used in resin bonding) but only in exceptional cases is this likely to cause problems--such as acute sensory irritation. However, fibreboard with low or zero formaldehyde emissions is available on the market and my Department is encouraging its use in general advice to professionals and the public.

Secondary information