§ 22. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what general directions he has given to the Gas Council and the Central Electricity Authority as to the desirability of advertising and providing fireguards for gas and electric fires bought before present legislation became effective.
§ 28. Captain Duncanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give a general direction to the Gas Council to advertise their willingness to supply and fit fireguards on any privately-owned gas fires not covered by the Fireguards Act.
§ Mr. RentonOn 25th June last, I informed the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. L. Jeger) of the efforts which the gas and electricity supply industries are making to solve this serious problem. My right hon. Friend does not consider that there is any case for attempting to stimulate these efforts by Ministerial direction.
§ Mrs. JegerIs the Minister aware that the figures of the sales of fireguards do not indicate any considerable increase or any success in this direction? Meanwhile, appalling accidents of burning from gas and electric fires continue. Surely this is a matter where the Minister can stimulate some further activity.
§ Mr. RentonI appreciate—and I agree with the hon. Lady—that this is a serious matter, but it would be wrong to say that it is becoming more serious; indeed, the evidence is to the contrary.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is still practically impossible to buy a fireguard for any model of electric fire which is not in current production? In view of this fact, will not he do as my hon. Friend asks him and stimulate at any rate the Central Electricity Authority to further action?
§ Mr. RentonAs I pointed out in a previous reply to the hon. Lady, the gas and electricity boards have in their possession fireguards suitable to fit into old type of fire, and they are still selling these. They draw the attention of the public to them.