§ 25. Mr. COWANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that only the more recently erected blocks of flats in London are provided with safety staircases for exit in case of fire; and whether, having regard to the present danger of fires being caused by incendiary bombs dropped from hostile aircraft, he will take steps to require the provision in all older dwellings of this type of such means of egress in case of fire as are required by recent regulations in the case of new buildings?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir J. Simon)The London County Council can under their present powers require where necessary the provision of means of escape in existing buildings of this kind, and the council informs me that though this work has necessarily been curtailed owing to circumstances arising out of the War the more urgent cases are being pressed forward.
§ Mr. COWANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are very many blocks of residential flats in Westminster, in the immediate neighbourhood of this House, where no such provision is made, and where, in case of fire, the whole of the inhabitants would be in extreme danger? Does he not propose to take any steps in the matter?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have already stated that the London County Council, whose responsibility it is, are pressing forward the more urgent cases as rapidly as they can. It will be obvious to the hon. Member that you cannot improve the whole of London in five minutes in a matter of this sort.