MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the dangerous condition of public theatres for persons engaged on and about the stage, in consequence of the inadequate provision for escape in case of fire; whether he is aware that the "safety curtain" provided for the protection of the audience shuts the persons engaged on the stage in with the fire, with a small stage door as the only means of escape; and whether he proposes to compel theatre owners to provide sufficient means of exit from the stage in case of fire or other emergency?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS,) Birmingham, E.No, Sir; my attention has not been called to the allegations in the question. I am informed by the architect of the London County Council that, while facilities for escape for performers in case of fire differ greatly in different theatres, there are generally doorways on either side of the stage which communicate with the auditorium, in addition to the door from the street, by which the performers enter and leave the stage, so that the effect of the safety curtain is not that suggested by the hon. Member. During recent years great improvements have been made in London theatres in respect of provision for escape from fire, and the London County Council requires in all cases where it has authority that sufficient staircases, ladders, and doorways shall be provided for escape from dressing rooms, the stage, and all parts above and below it. As to the third paragraph of the question, I have no powers of compulsion. The Select Committee of this House which is now considering the regulation of theatres will, no doubt, make suggestions upon what future legislation may be necessary.
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have no information.