High Water Pressure Sprays

HC Deb 01 July 1958 vol 590 c1046

6. Mr. Tiley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what research has been carried out in the efficiency of high water pressure sprays such as are now extensively used in fire-fighting in the United States and in many European countries.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Joint Fire Research Organisation has carried out a number of investigations during the last twelve months and has shown that high pressure water sprays are not more efficient in fighting fires than those produced by equipment in normal use here and using lower pressures.

Mr. Tiley

That is a little discouraging. Can my hon. Friend tell the House what kinds of tests have been carried out?

Mr. Nicholls

Trials have been carried out in test fires in an ordinary room, and I gather that that sort of fire represents 90 per cent. of those to which fire brigades are called. High pressure sprays have been issued to some fire-fighting services and have been used in actual fires.