§ 35. Miss Baconasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the progress the manufacturers of drip-feed oil heaters are making in the modification of unsafe heaters.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI understand that the manufacturers are still working on the problems involved.
§ Miss BaconIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am not referring to the new heaters which may be manufactured but to the progress which is being made in calling in those heaters which are already being used in 3 million homes? Has he any information to give about progress in that respect?
§ Mr. ButlerI understand from contact with them, as far as I can, that all the manufacturers are understood to be at work on these problems and are having discussions with the retail trade, that is, between the manufacturers and retail trade. Each manufacturer has his own particular problem. I would draw the hon. Lady's attention to the fact that the new British Standard was issued as recently as 11th April and they are having regard to that in their approach to the appliances already issued.
§ Mr. FletcherCan the Home Secretary say whether these adaptations will also be available for imported heaters not manufactured in this country?
§ Mr. ButlerThat is one of the topics we have in mind in deciding what we 1466 shall do on the receipt of the Molony Report and on what necessary or possible legislative steps to take to make the present situation a little more satisfactory.