HC Deb 24 November 1960 vol 630 cc1280-1
3. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take action to implement the five recommendations of the jury that inquired into the causes of the fire on 22nd June, 1960, at Henderson's Store in Liverpool.

Mr. Renton

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given him on 10th November.

Mr. Tilney

Would my hon. and learned Friend consider two further aspects of this case—that is, two items not mentioned by the jury—whether it is advisable for cars to be parked above or near water hydrants and whether the reintroduction of nets in the fire services should be laid down?

Mr. Renton

I should be glad to consider those two points. My hon. Friend will not expect an answer at this moment.

Mr. Burden

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that store managements in Liverpool and elsewhere and through their trade organisations are in co-operation with local authorities and the fire brigades in order to establish better fire precautions, and that they would welcome, and, indeed, are anxiously awaiting, any lead which the Government may give on this very important matter?

Mr. Renton

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has asked the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Committee to look into all these matters, particularly those arising out of the Liverpool fire, and it has set up a technical sub-committee to consider them. I am not in a position to say anything about them now, but I can assure my hon. Friend that all these matters are being considered.

Mrs. Braddock

In view of the number of important statements which were made during the inquest and during the inquiry, would the Department issue a copy of the report to hon. Members and to the public so that the recommendations which it contains can be made much more widely known than at present, because of their importance?

Mr. Renton

I will bear that suggestion in mind.

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