HC Deb 30 October 1946 vol 428 cc595-6
25. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that there is no satisfactory system of inspection by his Department of fire-fighting equipment, appliances and personnel at Croydon airport; and what steps he is taking, particularly in view of the approaching winter season, to ensure that the fire-fighting facilities at Croydon are adequate.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Lindgren)

The fire-fighting equipment, appliances and personnel at Croydon airport are inspected at regular intervals and three inspections have been carried out during the last four months. I am satisfied that the fire-fighting facilities at the airport are adequate to meet present needs and those that may arise during the forthcoming winter.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, when the Question was put down, no training whatever was being given to the firemen, no asbestos suits were provided, no uniforms were given, and the fire-fighting equipment was left outside in all weathers?

Mr. Lindgren

I am not aware of that. I do not know the date on which the Question was put down, but my information is that inspections were carried out by the Air Ministry, who were then responsible, on 15th July and 20th August. The Ministry of Civil Aviation took over responsibility on 1st September, and their first inspection took place on 7th October, when everything was satisfactory. On the particular circumstances mentioned by my hon. Friend, if he will let me have information, I will personally look into the matter.

Mr. Stokes

Will my hon. Friend take steps to ensure that, when wrecks occur at Croydon, the attendance of the fire brigade is at least as prompt as the attendance of the Customs officers?