HC Deb 19 March 1957 vol 567 cc190-2
18. Mr. Hobson

asked the Minister of Labour if his inspection of all textile mills in Keighley is now complete.

Mr. Carr

I presume the hon. Member has in mind the special survey of fire alarm arrangements. This was completed last October.

Mr. Hobson

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his Answer is very satisfactory indeed in view of the promises he made when this disastrous fire was debated in the House?

Mr. Carr

I appreciate what the hon. Member says. He may like to know that there is now only one outstanding case of a textile mill in Keighley where the installation of a fire alarm is either not complete or pending.

19. Mr. Hobson

asked the Minister of Labour how many textile mills in the Keighley area are still without fire certificates.

Mr. Carr

Thirty-six, of which all but eight have been surveyed by the local authority preparatory to the issue of certificates.

Mr. Hobson

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress that has been made in the issue of these fire certificates? Is he aware that he has overriding powers under the 1937 Act? In view of the fact that it is now more than a year since the fire took place, with eight deaths, does he not think it is time that he used those overriding powers?

Mr. Carr

I am satisfied that the local authority has been making really strenuous efforts in recent months and that progress is now being made in the right direction. The local authority is, quite properly, requiring to be satisfied that a number of measures are properly carried out before granting certificates. As I have said, I am satisfied that it is pressing on with the matter now.

Mr. Hobson

Will the hon. Gentleman watch the position very carefully indeed? I still think that progress is somewhat slow.

Mr. Carr

Indeed, I will give that assurance, and we will not hesitate to use any powers should we be dissatisfied.

20. Mr. Hobson

asked the Minister of Labour if he has completed his review of the policy under the Factory Acts relating to fire.

Mr. Carr

Yes, Sir, and as a result some action has already been taken and lines of policy for further action have been laid down. All factories where fire alarms are required have been surveyed and follow-up action is being taken. An advisory leaflet has been issued to all employers on this subject. Local authorities have been asked to speed up the work of examining means of escape.

An advisory leaflet on fire drills is about to be sent to employers and advice on fire prevention is being prepared in collaboration with the Home Office. In agreement with the Home Office, revised instructions have been issued providing for closer co-operation between the Factory Inspectorate and fire authorities.

Mr. Hobson

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his reply is quite satisfactory and that perhaps we can now say that these people did not die in vain?

Mr. Carr

I thank the hon. Member for the interest he has taken in this matter throughout. We will do our best to see that his satisfaction is maintained.

Mr. Lee

Can the hon. Gentleman enlarge a little on the latter part of his Answer? Is he now considering permitting the factory inspector to invite the fire prevention officer to visit such a factory with him? As the hon. Gentleman knows, at the moment it is dependent upon the employer giving his permission. Is the hon. Gentleman getting a closer liaison between the two authorities in order that the fire prevention officer can help in determining the progress which is being made in regard to fire prevention?

Mr. Carr

I think I am right in saying that the powers still remain, but we cannot compel an employer to accept one of the fire officers. The degree of co-operation between our Inspectorate and the fire officers is certainly being intensified. Unless we have any trouble in getting the fire officers admitted where it is necessary to do so, I think it is better to leave the powers as they are.