HC Deb 20 February 1930 vol 235 cc1568-9
44. Mr. EDE

asked the Home Secretary if he has made recent inquiries into the vigilance with which local authorities discharge their duties in supervising the requirements designed to promote public safety in buildings used as cinemas, theatres, and for similar purposes; and if he will issue a circular calling their attention to their duties in this respect?

Mr. CLYNES

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The responsibility for enforcing the Safety Regulations and generally for ensuring the public safety at places of entertainment rests with the local authorities and I have no reason to believe that local authorities generally are not fully aware of their responsibility. If my hon. Friend has the Paisley disaster in mind, I would refer him to the last paragraph of the reply which I gave on the 23rd January to my hon. Friend the Member for Western Renfrew. I will send him a copy.

Mr. EDE

Has the Home Secretary in his Department any information as to the number of authorities who have full time inspectors discharging these duties?

Mr. CLYNES

I shall be glad to have notice of that question.