HC Deb 04 December 1952 vol 508 cc1749-50
43. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the increase in the number of deaths from accidents which have occurred in the home and in residential institutions, he will reconsider his decision with regard to payments of the grant to the Home Safety Committee of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

As I have already announced, I have decided after further consideration to make a further payment of £1,500 during the next financial year as the fifth and final instalment of the grant which it was decided in 1948 to make for the purpose of assisting the Society in developing their home safety work.

Mr. Janner

Is the Minister aware that there are now, on an average, 20 deaths a day from home accidents as compared with six fewer on the roads and 15 fewer at work? Is he not also aware that a million people go into hospital each year as a result of accidents which occur at home; and does he not think it is niggardly to stop this grant, which is of considerable importance in developing publicity and which has been successful in giving great assistance in the matter hitherto?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have just said that I am not stopping the grant but will pay it for another year. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that there is a provision in the Local Government Act, 1948, Section 136, which gives certain general powers to local authorities to contribute towards the expenses of such organisations with the consent of the Minister of Housing and Local Government. I am empowered to say that my right hon. Friend is always prepared to consider any application for consent under the Section.

Mr. Janner

But does not the Minister know that the Minister of Housing and Local Government is very niggardly himself and that we cannot get any satisfaction from him here? How does he expect his right hon. Friend to be able to deal with a position of this description? Does he not think—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]. This is an important matter. Does not the Minister think he ought to look into the matter again and see that not £1,500 but many thousands are given for this purpose?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am always prepared to look into any matter which the hon. Gentleman suggests, but I did not recognise his description of my right hon. Friend.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Is it not possible that the Royal Society, in the past, has felt itself somewhat inhibited from making forthright recommendations on the subject of accidents simply by virtue of the fact that it has received money from a Government Department?