A report sponsored by the government has underlined fears that poor workmanship during construction can lead to fire risks.
Called Understanding Fire Risks in Combustible Cavities, it was produced by Chiltern International Fire for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The report centres on cavity barriers and calls into question current working practice. It recommends an urgent review of installation methods to prevent disruption of cavity barriers during construction.

An ODPM spokesperson said: "We will consider the report's implications in the next review of Part B [of the Building Regulations], due to commence in 2004."

The report also recommends clarifying who is responsible for the correct installation of cavity barriers.