Written question asked by Elfyn Llwyd (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 9 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 May 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 May 2000 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 initiatives are being pursued to introduce fire-resistant materials in new tunnels.

Answer: Mr. Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives are being pursued to introduce fire-resistant materials in new tunnels. [121722] Mr. Hill: For roads, there are a number of initiatives directly or indirectly concerned with fire and safety issues in tunnels. They are being undertaken by European and other international expert bodies. If these initiatives indicate it is appropriate that more fire resistant materials should be introduced into tunnels, they will be included into the UK's current tunnel design standards. Following the fire in the Channel Tunnel, research has been done into increasing the resistance of concrete tunnel linings under conditions of extreme and prolonged heat. This research has been adopted by the designers of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) and fire protected concrete will be used in the new rail tunnels under London and the Thames.

Secondary information