HC Deb 14 July 1964 vol 698 cc1012-3
23. Mrs. Hart

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure that every new subsidised house has fireplace fittings for the fixing of fireguards, in view of the evidence in the recent British Medical Association Survey on Accidents in the Home that in 65 per cent. of cases of burns due to a fire, fixed fireguards were not in use.

Mr. Corfield

Local housing authorities have on several occasions been advised to provide fixtures for fireguards in accordance with the appropriate British Standard.

Mrs. Hart

Has the hon. Gentleman any indication of how many local authorities have taken his advice? Is he aware that, as far as I know—and certainly in most of the new towns of Britain—this advice has not been taken? Is it not clear that something further should be done in ensuring that the proper standard is adhered to, especially in view of this recent survey?

Mr. Corfield

I will not bore the House with the details, but I have a large list of occasions on which this was brought to the notice of local housing authorities. But if the hon. Lady has evidence on the lines she suggests, I will certainly consider how I can make local authorities more aware of the problem.