§ 26. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the recent increase in fires to domestic premises, and the loss of life involved; and whether he will make a statement as to the chief causes of these incidents.
§ Mr. BrookeBetween 1958 and 1961, which is the last year for which figures are available, the number of fires attended by fire brigades in dwellings in England and Wales rose from 22,736 to 28,532, an increase of approximately 25 per cent. The number of deaths was 579 in 1958 and 564 in 1961. The fires were caused chiefly by electricity, oil appliances, smoking materials, chimney fires spreading beyond the chimney, and gas appliances, in that order of relative importance.
§ Mr. HyndIn view of the information which the right hon. Gentleman has given in regard to the part played by oil heaters, is he satisfied that the present standards provide adequate protection?
§ Mr. BrookeI think that this is very largely a matter of publicity, and the Committee of the Central Fire Brigade Advisory Council is at this moment considering means of improving fire prevention publicity.
§ Miss BaconUnder the general heading of fires caused by electricity, can the right hon. Gentleman say how many were caused by electric blankets?
§ Mr. BrookeNot without notice.