HC Deb 12 April 1960 vol 621 cc1069-70
25. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that adequate powers are possessed by his Department, or by local authorities, to enforce proposals made by firemasters for improved fire precautions and protection for life and property in their area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclay

I have no general powers to enforce proposals made by firemasters for improved fire precautions and protection. Local authorities and Dean of Guild courts have powers of control over plans of new buildings; and local authorities will have additional powers extending to existing buildings when the new building code comes into force under the Building (Scotland) Act, 1959. In the particular case of factories, further powers will also be available to fire authorities and to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour when the relevant provisions of the Factories Act, 1959. come into operation.

Mr. Hannan

Does not that Answer mean that at the moment there are no powers and have not been powers to see that suggested improvements are undertaken? Will the right hon. Gentleman go a little further and make inquiries of local authorities about who is the responsible official in their areas? Is he not aware that in some places it is the fire-master, in others it is the master of works, and in still others it is the police? Will he look into that aspect of the matter and clear it up?

Mr. Maclay

As the hon. Gentleman obviously realises, the position is complex. The Dean of Guild courts have very clear powers in this respect. I will carefully think over what the hon. Gentleman has said.