33. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities have set up Home Safety Committees; and what further steps will be taken to bring to the attention of authorities which have not done so the desirability of so doing.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI understand that 166 local Home Safety Committees affiliated to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents had been set up by 23rd February, 1960. In February, 1958, my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health issued a circular urging local health authorities to sponsor or support such local committees.
Mr. Gresham CookeAs my right hon. Friend has disclosed only this week that there are 3 million of these highly dangerous oil stoves in houses up and down the country, ought there not to be a fresh drive among the local authorities concerned to set up more Home Safety Committees? Would my right hon. Friend send out a further circular on that matter?
§ Mr. ButlerI will certainly discuss this urgently with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health. Of course, the Committees in question are voluntary Committees which enjoy the support of the local authority.
§ Miss BaconWhile it is up to people individually in the home to take very great care, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would agree that many accidents could be avoided if there were much more information and publicity on the effect of certain appliances?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. This is a matter which is being discussed today with the representatives of the firms principally concerned.