HC Deb 26 July 1951 vol 491 c624
16. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will report the result of his consultation with the manufacturers of radio and television sets for revising the present safety precautions.

23. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that some television sets have caused serious accidents in Leicester and elsewhere; and what consultations he has had with manufacturers of television sets with a view to improving present safety precautions.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

I understand that a new British Standards specification for television sets, which includes revised safety precautions drawn up in the light of recent experience, is nearing completion and will be published as soon as possible. The risk of fire and shock from electrical appliances is one of the matters which has engaged the attention of the inter-Departmental Committee on Accidents in the Home, and consultations have taken place and will continue to take place with manufacturers in regard to safety precautions.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Does that answer mean that my right hon. Friend has received, or will receive, an assurance from the radio manufacturers that the risk of electrocution has been avoided or minimised?

Mr. Ede

The number of cases of electrocution that have occurred is surprisingly small. With regard to television I think that the number is still below double figures. Every effort is being made to improve matters.

Mr. Speaker

Earl Winterton.

Earl Winterton

To prevent this Parliament achieving a new low record in the number of Questions answered, I should like to request that the answers to Questions Nos. 18. 19 and 20 be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. It is absolutely scandalous—16 Questions in 35 minutes.