SCRAPPING SCHOOL SPRINKLERS

That this House deplores the decision to scrap the expectation that sprinklers will be installed in all new school buildings except for low risk schools; believes that such a retrograde measure could compromise the safety of children, staff, local communities and firefighters; recognises that sprinkler systems help ensure swift evacuation from fires; notes that sprinklers have helped save 17 schools from major fire damage; further notes that the average cost of a large school fire is now £2.8 million; and calls on the Government to reintroduce these vital requirements forthwith.