42. Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the increasing practice of furniture warehousemen in using private dwelling-houses in residential areas for the storage of furniture, and of the in creasing danger from fires as such dwelling-houses are closely stocked; and whether he will consider requiring such tradesmen to store these goods in specially approved warehouses?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir. Private dwelling-houses converted for use as furniture warehouses are, however, business premises under the Fire Prevention Orders and the occupier of such premises is responsible for making proper and adequate arrangements in regard to fire prevention. I have under consideration whether the existing powers in this respect need to be strengthened, but the considerable demands on storage space, many of which must have priority over the needs of furniture warehousemen, appear to render impracticable the adoption of the course suggested by my hon. Friend.
Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware that the complaint contained in this Question comes from the chairman of the watch committee of a large authority on Tyne-side where there is great anxiety on this head?
§ Mr. MorrisonI follow that but I think the Answer I have given will help the chairman of the watch committee, and if my hon. Friend will be good enough to let me have particulars of the complaint, I will examine it in further detail.