Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what plans he has to alter guidance in respect of the use of red ash; and if he will make a statement on BRE 3613.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to alter guidance in respect of the use of red ash; and if he will make a statement on BRE 3613. [197697] Phil Hope: The recently published Building Regulations Approved Document Part C--Site preparation and resistance to contamination and moisture--which comes into effect on the 1 December 2004 gives guidance where sulphates are encountered from natural sources, hardcore or other compacted fill material. Practical guidance on construction methods to avoid future problems are included in the document. It is intended to review the document at regular intervals to reflect any future research and investigations into the problem of building where high concentrations of sulphates are known. Technical guidance material has also been published by the Building Research Establishment in various reports, namely; BR 424 Building on fill: geotechnical aspects, Digest 472 Optimising ground investigations, and particular reference should be made to Special Digest 1 Concrete in aggressive ground--parts 1 to 4.

Secondary information