§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make regulations to avoid or minimise the danger of electrocution in the use of television sets.
§ Mr. EdeI have no power to make regulations to guard against this risk, which I am advised, is no greater in television sets than in many other electrical appliances used in the home. The recent distressing accident was due to an unusual combination of circumstances, and it is the only case on record in recent years of death occurring through a person touching the outside of a television or wireless set. I am, however, consulting the trade association to see whether the present safety precautions ought to be revised.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs my right hon. Friend aware that it cannot cost more than 6d. properly to insulate television and wireless sets? If the radio manufacturers will not provide an elementary precaution, is it not possible and desirable, as we have safety regulations for a thousand and one other things, to have one more for television and wireless sets and to arrange 1215 for the introduction by the appropriate Government Department of the necessary regulation?
§ Mr. EdeI am advised that that would require legislation. I have been very carefully into this matter and I am assured that this is the first case of its kind which has occurred for a long time.