§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Secretary of State for the Homo Department, If, in consequence of the Sunderland calamity, and others which have occurred in several towns upon the Continent, arising from insufficient means of exit from places of public entertainment, he intends to bring in a Bill, applicable to the whole Kingdom, enforcing such regulations before licences are given to such buildings, as will insure the safety of the public in case of fire or panic from any cause?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir, as the Question refers to the Sunderland calamity, I do not think it would be well to anticipate the inquiry into that matter; but certainly the information I have obtained points rather to the fact of the exits having been closed than to any supposition that they were insufficient. I was informed by the local authorities that they examined the building some time before this occurrence, and the modes of exit were deemed sufficient. As regards the general question, I should be glad if the local authorities had powers over these buildings. But, as I previously informed the hon. Member, these powers have been refused by the House of Commons in the case of Manchester.
§ MR. MACFARLANEThe right hon. and learned Gentleman has not answered my Question whether he will bring in a measure for the whole of the United Kingdom?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI am afraid I cannot undertake that—at all events not this Session.