HC Deb 06 February 1930 vol 234 cc2081-2
80. Mr. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the inquest held on the 29th November by Dr. Waldo, His Majesty's senior coroner for London, on the fatal fire at a tenement house in Little Sutton Street, Finsbury; the number of living rooms in the tenement and their approximate size, and the number of persons living in the tenement at the time of the accident?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am informed by the Metropolitan Borough Council of Finsbury that there are six living rooms in the tenement of which the sizes range from 820 to 1,430 cubic feet. At the time of the fire they were occupied by 22 persons.

Mr. HALL-CAINE

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that some form of fire escape ought to be made compulsory in these tenement buildings?

Mr. GREENWOOD

That is a matter for another Department.

Mr. OLDFIELD

Is my right hon. Friend aware of any steps which the Finsbury authorities have taken in view of the shocking state of overcrowding?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I propose to deal with it myself shortly.