HC Deb 05 March 1964 vol 690 cc1508-9
22. Miss Quennell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that fire authorities have no powers to regulate the siting of fuel-oil tanks; and if, for greater public safety, he will take steps to regulate the installation of bulk fuel-oil containers.

Mr. Woodhouse

My right hon. Friend is aware that fire authorities do not have such powers. The Building Regulations Advisory Committee, in its first report to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works, has recommended that the control of fuel storage and oil fire installations should be linked with the procedure for examining plans under building control. The matter is being examined as part of the wider consideration which my right hon. Friend is giving to the extension of enabling powers for building regulations.

Miss Quennell

Is my hon. Friend also aware that the growing popularity of oil-fired central heating, the increasing flammability of some of the fuel oils used, and the installation of this form of heating even in small dwellings like bungalows, will make this quite an acute problem if steps are not taken fairly soon?

Mr. Woodhouse

I am aware of those facts. That is why the Ministry of Public Building and Works, which has recently taken over this responsibility from the Ministry of Housing, is examining the possible desirability of extending the present Public Health Act provisions.