HC Deb 13 February 1969 vol 777 cc1545-7
8. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce regulations governing the provision of warning notices in connection with escalators installed in stores and other public places.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

My right hon. Friend has no power to make such regulations, but the associations concerned have agreed to recommend to their members that suitable warning notices should be displayed on all escalators in departmental stores and multiple shops. I understand that the London Transport Board intends to take similar action where appropriate in Underground stations.

Mr. Goodhew

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of children have had to have legs or feet amputated as a result of soft-soled shoes getting caught in the side of escalators? The situation is aggravated by the fact that invariably they are advised to hold on to the rail, which means that they have their feet in the most dangerous position. Has the hon. Gentleman drawn attention to this?

Mr. Rees

We are aware of this matter and are discussing it with various bodies. The existing statutory powers relating to escalators come under the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, which was passed for a different purpose. We are doing all that we can to help.

9. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce regulations governing the safety of escalators in stores and other public places.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

My right hon. Friend has no power to make such regulations. But a British Standard dealing with lifts and escalators is expected at the end of April, and if this introduces any new safeguards for members of the public my Department will do all it can to see that these are adopted.

Mr. Goodhew

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of seeking powers to make these accidents notifiable so that the size of the problem may be assessed? Also, has he considered requiring micro-switches to be installed so that the machinery cuts out the moment that there is an obstacle in the way?

Mr. Rees

I do not think that there is need for action on the first part of the supplementary question, but I will look at the matter. I thank the hon. Gentleman for what he said in the last part, which I will pass on to our scientific advisers.