§ 30. Mr. Hannanasked, the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the report of Glasgow's firemaster on the causes of the recent fire at Woolworth's Store, Argyle Street; and what steps he is taking to ensure a high standard of fire prevention measures and their enforcement.
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware of the contents of the report, which I have brought to the attention both of my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour, in connection with the forthcoming Government legislation relating to health, welfare and safety in certain non-industrial premises including shops, and also of the Joint Fire Prevention Committee of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council, which, pending legislation, is preparing guidance aimed at securing a higher standard of fire precautions in shops and departmental stores.
§ Mr. HannanWe have heard about this projected legislation for a long time. Has the right hon. Gentleman forgotten the recent disastrous fires in Glasgow? Will he cast his mind back to the fire in the whisky store and bonded warehouse? When does he expect to introduce legislation, and when does he expect to receive the report from the Joint Fire Prevention Committee?
§ Mr. MaclayAs my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said last July, we hope to introduce the Bill before the Offices Act comes into force at the beginning of 1962. I hope shortly to be able to issue guidance to fire authorities which will assist fire prevention officers to give advice about steps to be taken to ensure higher standards of fire precautions in shops and departmental stores.