Arconic (ARNC)

[r clarke]

"We must allow that inquiry and the criminal investigation to run their course. Each must have the space to follow the evidence wherever it takes them.

We must all be careful not to prejudge or prejudice either of them.

But what we can do, right now, is take sensible precautions to avoid another tragedy.

The Building Research Establishment is continuing to test the combustibility of cladding from councils and housing associations, as well as private landlords.

So far all the samples of cladding tested have failed. That’s 181 out of 181.

It’s obviously disturbing that there are such a large number of buildings with combustible cladding, and the priority now is to make those buildings safe.

Where appropriate mitigating measures cannot be implemented quickly landlords must provide alternative accommodation while the remedial work is carried out, and that is exactly what happened in the 4 tower blocks in Camden.

Our primary concern has been buildings over 18 metres, or 6 storeys, where people stay at night.

Hospitals and schools are also being assessed.

Mr Speaker, we ourselves have asked questions about the testing regime after discovering the 100% failure rate so far.

Last week I asked for the testing regime to be independently assessed.

This was carried out by the Research Institutes of Sweden, and they have confirmed they believe the process to be sound.

A full explanatory briefing note on the testing process is available on GOV.UK.

As the note explains, every failed test means the panels are unlikely to be compliant with the limited combustibility requirement of the building regulations guidance.

This has been confirmed by legal advice and the advice of the independent expert panel that was established last week.

For use of the panels to be safe landlords need to be confident that the whole wall system has been tested and shown to be safe.

We are not aware of any such system having passed the necessary tests, but I have asked the expert advisory panel to look into this further."






https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/update-on-grenfell-tower-fire-and-fire-safety