§ 21. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that fire losses in Great Britain last year exceeded £65 million and that this figure is the highest ever; if he will state the localities chiefly affected what have been the principal causes of the increase in fire losses; and what steps he has taken and plans to reduce such losses.
§ Mr. WoodhouseThe estimate of fire losses in 1963 is made by the British Insurance Association, and I have no analysis of its estimated figure of over £66 million. The legislative action which the Government have already taken to improve fire precautions in factory and other commercial premises, together with that which they are considering in respect of certain residential premises and places of resort, should make an impact on fire losses. But the problem is also largely one of increasing public awareness of the dangers of fire, and arrangements have recently been made to co-ordinate the efforts in this field of Government Departments, fire authorities and other interested organisations.
§ Mr. HughesI thank the hon. Gentleman for that detailed reply, but does he realise that these figures represent a very great national loss? Will he take steps to minimise them, either by increasing the fire services or by increasing the emoluments of the very skilled men already serving in the fire services, or both?
§ Mr. WoodhouseAs I explained in my earlier Answer, the responsibility rests with the local fire authorities, but what we are doing, in addition to the legislation to which I have referred and all the fire prevention publicity, is to increase the number of fire prevention courses at the Fire Service College, of which we hope the local fire authorities will take account.