HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 cc601-3
42. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that in 1955 18,560 fires were attributed to children playing with matches and that children usually obtain matches from the kitchen, what steps he is taking to encourage housewives to use automatic lighters.

Mr. R. A. Butler

My Department has issued no advice to housewives about using automatic lighters; but a popular booklet on fire precautions produced by the Home Office and published by the Stationery Office emphasises that matches should be kept out of the reach of children.

Mrs. Mann

Is the Home Secretary aware that a flint lighter with a retail price of 5s. 11d. is taxed at 4s., and that a 7s. 6d. battery lighter is taxed over 5s. 3d., which includes duty and Purchase Tax? Does not he think that this is being penny wise and pound foolish, and will he remit the matter for consideration to the Inter-Departmental Committee on Home Safety?

Mr. Butler

I think that I had better discuss any fiscal question with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

47. Mrs. Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further consideration he has given to the possibility of introducing legislation to enable all local authorities to incur expenditure for the promotion of home safety.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Since my answer on 19th December to my hon. Friend, the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham Cooke), there has been no Bill introduced in which such a provision could suitably be included. But I will keep the matter in mind.

Mrs. Butler

Is the Home Secretary aware that there is considerable confusion among county district councils about this matter? While some have been spending money on home safety propaganda without challenge for a number of years, others have recently had their expenditure questioned, and is he aware this is a matter of some urgency which should be cleared up in view of the importance of home safety propaganda?

Mr. Butler

That is why I was looking for a vehicle in which to insert this provision.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department has already circularised every local authority in England and Wales and drawn attention to how and where they can obtain money for their activities? Is he also aware that at 5 o'clock today any hon. Member who attends the Home Safety Committee will receive a copy of that circular?

Mr. Butler

I hope hon. Members will pay attention to the "Whip" of the hon. Lady.

Mr. Page

Will my right hon. Friend consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government as to whether the provision could be introduced into the Local Government Bill in another place? Is he aware that that Bill covers this possibility?

Mr. Butler

We have looked at it, though I will again have a word with my right hon. Friend if it is so desired.