§ 30. Mr. CARTER (for Mr. R. S. YOUNG)asked the Home Secretary if, at any time before the fatal accident at the film studio at Elstree last week, the studio had been visited by any factory inspector; whether all film studios are regularly and frequently inspected; and whether there are enough inspectors adequately to perform these duties?
§ Mr. CLYNESFilm studios as such, do not come under the Factory Acts—though there may be carried on in the premises incidental processes connected with the production of the films to which the Acts might apply. The premises at Twickenham, to which I presume my hon. Friend refers, were visited before the fire on several occasions, but, as he will be aware, the fire originated in a dressing room connected with the studio which was not subject to inspection under the Acts. In so far as processes are carried on to which the Factory Acts apply, cinematograph film studios are regularly inspected, and they have received a great deal of attention from the inspectors. Still closer supervision, however, will be possible as a result of the scheme recently approved for strengthening the inspectorate, which provides for the creation of a new division centred in London with a substantial addition to the London staff during the present year.
§ Mr. MILLSDoes the Home Secretary appreciate the fact that the very nature of these studios requires, possibly, the wearing of very inflammable clothing; and whether, having regard to these possibilities, he will bar the use of radiators altogether, and insist upon a central heating system in these studios?
§ Mr. CLYNESI think that point is worthy of consideration.