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Written question asked by Steve Reed (Labour) on Thursday, 13 February 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2020 (named day). It was answered by Christopher Pincher (Conservative) on Monday, 24 February 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Buildings: Insulation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department plans to commission large-scale fire safety tests on systems with (a) timber cladding and (b) expanded polystyrene insulation.

Answer

Acting on advice from the Expert Panel, the government has commissioned research from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to support further understanding of the fire performance of Non-Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) external wall systems. This includes bespoke medium scale tests on timber cladding panels

The results of this research will be published shortly. So far, the results show that none of the materials tested present as significant a fire hazard as ACM (and other metal composites) with unmodified polyethylene core.

Subject to the research findings, a decision will be made as to the testing of further materials used on external wall systems, including timber cladding. This may include tests at large medium or small scale. We currently have no plan to commission a large-scale fire safety test on systems, incorporating timber cladding or expanded polystyrene.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1960
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Buildings Fire prevention Insulation Safety Testing Timber Polystyrene
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk