HC Deb 16 June 1932 vol 267 cc511-2
7. Mr. HALES

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the number of fatal accidents by fire on motor vehicles during the year 1931; and will he give the number of deaths by fire of occupants of commercial vehicles, public passenger omnibuses and coaches and private motor cars, respectively, during the year mentioned?

Mr. STANLEY

My right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot supply the desired information. The returns relating to street accidents obtained by the Home Office do not distinguish fatalities due to fire from those resulting from other causes.

Mr. HALES

Is it not advisable that fire extinguishers should be made compulsory on all private motor cars, as well as on commercial vehicles and omnibuses, so that there would be a means of assisting at every accident? Perhaps this would save many lives?

Mr. STANLEY

That point hardly seems to arise on a question asking how many accidents there are, but, if my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper, I shall be glad to answer it.