HC Deb 08 November 1934 vol 293 cc1252-3
22. Mr. BANFIELD

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fatal accident at Purley on 1st November resulting in the deaths of two small children in an outbreak of fire at a private house, he will consider the advisability of urging upon all local authorities, in regard to the plans for municipal houses and houses built by private enterprise alike, that regulations be enforced upon architects and builders to provide for the use in such plans of asbestos or other scientifically-tested fire-resisting materials for the impregnation or lining of walls, floors and ceilings so as to minimise the risk of such fatalities in future?

Sir H. YOUNG

The importance of such precautions against fire as are referred to, and other methods for the purpose is, I believe, present to the minds of architects, builders and local authorities, and attention is given to the subject in the consideration of plans both by them and at the Ministry of Health. No occasion is indeed lost or will be lost for promoting the standards of safety in this matter.