§ 65. Sir M. MANNINGHAM-BULLERasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to certain recent fatal accidents caused by faulty insulation of electricity in bathrooms, etc.; and whether he is issuing regulations or taking other steps as regards the installation of electrical appliances with a view to avoiding such accidents in future?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware that certain fatal accidents due to the causes mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend have recently occurred. The wiring arrangements in private houses are not under the control either of my Department or of the Electricity Commissioners, but a well-known code of regulations for the electrical equipment of buildings has been prepared by the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that there would have been fewer accidents if all the local authorities had power to do their own wiring?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNot necessarily, because it is open to any person who desires to have his or her house wired to put a condition in the contract to have the wiring done according to the specification of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes that mean that in some of these areas there is no local authority with any power to see that the wiring is done in accordance with the regulations?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs I have already stated, neither my Department nor the Electricity Commissioners have any power in this matter.
§ Mr. PALINGWould it not be wise to give such powers to local authorities in the same way as they have been given to borough councils?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. HARDIESince these defects are admitted, is the answer given by the Minister to be taken by the House as implying that those who are responsible for the wiring are not skilled or efficient men?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, the hon. Member must not assume that.