HC Deb 22 June 1950 vol 476 cc1461-2
32. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the death of Fireman Hill in the execution of his duty in attempting to rescue a cat in a tree near Albert Road, Sheffield, he will institute immediate inquiries into the duties of firemen for the purpose of putting some limitation on the risking of life in the helping of distressed animals.

Mr. Ede

It is, I believe, generally recognised that humanitarian services of this kind are incidental to a fireman's calling, but I agree with the hon. Member that firemen should not be expected to take any undue risk in performing such functions. I have no authority to give any directions to fire authorities on the matter, but I am drawing their attention to it, and inviting them to consider whether they should issue any orders to the brigades for which they are responsible.

Dr. King

Can my right hon. Friend say whether adequate provision has been made for the dependants of this brave man?

Mr. Ede

There is a fixed scale of compensation.