41. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Labour if he will ensure that all lift doors are provided with a small window when he revises the Regulations for lifts under the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.
§ Mr. FernyhoughNo, Sir.
Mrs. ButlerDoes my hon. Friend realise that the modern coffin-like lift is very much feared by many elderly people and others in high blocks of flats who have to use these lifts every day, and that there is also a rather serious danger when people are trapped in lifts due to breakdowns for any length of time? Would he please take some advice on the safety factor, and on other factors involved in the Question?
§ Mr. FernyhoughAll I can say to my hon. Friend is that, of all the many inquiries made, this is the first time anything like this has been suggested. What we have to do is, as far as possible, to see that Regulations affecting lifts under the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act are in complete accord with those already in operation under the Factories Acts, because it would be very bad to have two lots of Regulations of a different character applying to the same kind of equipment and machinery.
§ Dame Irene WardShould not the hon. Gentleman be delighted by having a good suggestion made for the first time in view of the fact that his Government set great store by modernisation?
§ Mr. FernyhoughI indicated that this was the first time that the suggestion had been put to us. When a sensible suggestion is put to us we are always prepared to a look at it. In all the many conversations and conferences we have had in this matter with interested parties, this has never been raised before.