Greg Smith MP (Conservative, Mid Buckinghamshire) has been elected as the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG), following its AGM on 27th October.
He is joined by three other officers: Sarah Smith MP (Labour, Hyndburn); Iqbal Mohamed MP (independent, Dewsbury and Batley); and Lorraine Beavers MP (Labour, Blackpool North and Fleetwood).
The group brings together parliamentarians from across the political spectrum to champion the interests of the UK furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector.
One of Greg's first acts as chair was to table two named-day written parliamentary questions, pressing the Government for clarity on its proposed reforms to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. The consultation closed on 23rd June.
He asked: when the Government expects to publish its response; what the next stages of the reform process will be; whether it plans to undertake further consultation or engagement before making a final policy decision; what estimate the Government has made of the length of transition period that would be required by UK furniture manufacturers following changes; and whether that assessment will take account of existing material stocks and forward orders, changes to supply chains, product development, and the time required for testing and certification. As named-day questions, the Government had to respond by 4th November.
Minister Kate Dearden MP has now responded, confirming that consultation responses are "currently" under review and that a formal Government response will follow. However, she provided no timetable for publication and no indication of the transition period manufacturers might expect.
The industry has been seeking clarity on these reforms to the flammability regulations for some time, particularly given the potential implications for manufacturers and their wider supply chains.
Greg will be speaking at the Furnishings Industry Showcase in the House of Lords on 25th November, organised by the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) and The Furniture Makers' Company. The event will bring together industry representatives, parliamentarians and policymakers to celebrate the sector and discuss its future. Two businesses based in Greg's constituency, Ercol Furniture and Hypnos, are among those exhibiting.
