HC Deb 28 March 1968 vol 761 cc1713-4
35. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report of the Holroyd Committee on the Fire Service.

Mr. Ennals

The Committee is still taking evidence, and my right hon. Friend does not expect to receive its report before next year.

Mr. Hannan

But surely my hon. Friend is aware of the frightening in- crease in the losses by fire in this country? In view of the urgency of these proposals now, particularly the more effective and widespread measures for fire prevention, can he not hurry this matter up in any way?

Mr. Ennals

It was because of the urgency of the rising cost of damage by fires that my right hon. Friend decided to establish this extremely important survey. It is the first study of its kind for over 30 years, and when it was established last year, it was recognised that, with all the evidence which had to be taken and all the considerations which had to be given, there could not possibly be an answer before next year. It is a very important survey.