§ 70. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the month of December last there were seventy-five persons burnt to death through clothing catching fire in England and Wales; whether of that number thirty-four cases were specifically reported to be due to the wearing of flannelette; whether his attention has been called to the statement of the county coroner at Kendal on 6th December as to the dangerous character of this stuff; and will he say when he proposes to take steps to prohibit the use of this inflammable material?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe figures and the statement mentioned in the question are taken from an advertisement issued by the manufacturers of "non-flam" flannelette, of which a copy has been sent to me. They appear to be based on newspaper reports. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave him on the 417 9th and 16th December. Suggestions for legislation of the limited scope indicated in those replies have been submitted to me and are under consideration, and I understand that it is the intention of a private Member to introduce a Bill embodying these suggestions.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the right hon. Gentleman does not accept the statement, may I ask whether he will communicate with the coroners requesting them to report to him in all cases where deaths have occurred in the way indicated in the question?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will consider the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman.