§ Mr. HareI beg to move, in page 8, line 31, after "hand-rail" to insert "or hand-hold".
It has been represented to us, and I imagine that it has occurred to hon. Members on both sides, that some dignified grand staircases such as those to be found in town halls and other eminent buildings are not furnished with anything as utilitarian as a hand-rail but have instead a balustrade or moulding. The purpose of the Amendment is to provide that, where such balustrades afford a proper hand-hold, the requirement in subsection (2) will be satisfied. We shall get into trouble with some of our town clerks if we do not pass this Amendment.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§ Further Amendment made: In page 8, line 36, after "hand-rail", insert "or hand-hold",—[Mr. Hare.]
§ Mr. HareI beg to move, in page 8, line 40, to leave out from "of" to end of the line and insert:
efficient means of preventing any person from accidentally falling through the space between the hand-rail or hand-hold and steps of the staircase".522 My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary accepted in principle an Amendment moved in Committee by the hon. Member for East Ham, North (Mr. Prentice) which was designed to strengthen the guarding of open sides of staircases. The Amendment on the Notice Paper has the same effect, and I am advised that it is sufficiently comprehensive to make a special reference to a lower rail unnecessary.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§
Further Amendment made: In page 8, line 43, at end insert:
(5) The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to any such part of any fuel storage premises as is in the open, but in relation to any such part the following provisions shall have effect, namely—