4. 3. Statement: Update Following the Grenfell Tower Fire

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:52 pm on 4 July 2017.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 2:52, 4 July 2017

As you say, Cabinet Secretary, I think it is important to have clarity in terms of exactly what is being tested, so if just the 4mm or so of external cladding is being sent for testing, then it obviously doesn’t include the wider building external wall system. So, I hear what you say in terms of perhaps moving on to that wider, more comprehensive and significant testing. So, I wonder if you could say what the process is of making that move. You have your external panel, but, at the moment, obviously, it’s UK Government and BRE that are conducting tests. So, is that a suggestion you might make, advised by your external panel, and it would then be a matter for the UK Government to come to a decision?

And will it be possible to consider the unique construction techniques and safety measures in place in each building, because I know some registered social landlords in Wales do feel that it’s absolutely critical that that is the approach? So, for example, where there are systems in place that involve fire breaks, so that there would be materials on each floor within the ventilation shaft between the insulation and the external cladding, if there were those fire breaks in place that expand in the case of a fire to seal off, as it were, the so-called chimney effect, that might well be a matter that should be considered as to the overall safety of those external wall systems. So, I do feel that there is a lack of clarity in many people’s minds, Cabinet Secretary, in terms of exactly what’s being tested, as to whether that is the best test that can really give us a picture of the safety measures in place, and provide necessary reassurance to residents.

The other question I’d like to ask is: will you continue to work with registered social landlords in Wales, and others, to make sure that tenants are properly involved and are properly communicated with to ensure safety, but also to provide necessary reassurance? Because I think, whatever view we take of recent events, it will always be the case that there will be that need to involve residents and communicate with residents if we really are going to have the best safety systems and, indeed, proper reassurance.

And just finally, I’m sure you would join me, Cabinet Secretary, in urging responsible media reporting of these matters, because I know, again, there is concern amongst registered social landlords in Wales and, indeed, tenants that some of the media reporting is unhelpful in terms of helping us ensure that necessary safety and reassurance.