§ 37. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Power what is his policy about the fitting of gas and electricity meters under stairs; if he is satisfied that present requirements pay sufficient regard to fire hazard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonMy right hon. Friend has powers under the Gas and Electricity Acts to make regulations to protect the public so far as practicable from personal injury, fire or other dangers. These powers would be used if necessary. I have no evidence that present practice in the fitting of meters is unsatisfactory.
§ Mr. MallalieuDoes the hon. Gentleman know that recently there have been two fires in my constituency caused by the proximity of electricity and gas meters and that the situation was rendered far more dangerous than otherwise it would have been by the fact that both meters were fitted under the stairs and, therefore, people tended to be trapped upstairs when the fire took place? Does the Minister do nothing about this?
§ Mr. PeytonIf the hon. and learned Member will be good enough to let me have details, I will certainly have the case looked at.