HC Deb 15 March 1960 vol 619 c1095
4. Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the revision of British Standard 2049, including new safety standards for oil heaters, may be expected.

Mr. J. Rodgers

I understand that at a meeting yesterday agreement was reached on all the main features of a new British Standard for oil heaters, which will go to the printers almost immediately.

Mrs. McLaughlin

Is my hon. Friend aware of the very great concern felt by everyone in the country, including reputable oil heater manufacturers, about the problem of getting the Standard made a compulsory one as soon as possible? Can he say that all steps will be taken after this afternoon's Bill, which is to be brought in by my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro), to make certain that this Standard is made law at the very first possible moment?

Mr. Rodgers

I fully appreciate the concern of my hon. Friend, but, of course, the British Standard has no statutory force. The question of legislation concerning oil heaters would really be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. Lipton

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he is in favour of applying some legislative sanction to whatever it is that the British Standards Institution has now decided to recommend?

Mr. Rodgers

As I said, I think that that is really a question for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.