HC Deb 15 July 1969 vol 787 cc389-91
17. Mr. William Price

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what recent discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Inspectors over the fire alarm system in the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. Loughlin

The authorities of the House and members of the Ministry's staff have had frequent discussions over the past year with Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate on this matter. Plans for a fire alarm system are now being drawn up, and it is expected that installation work will begin next year.

Mr. Price

Is my hon. Friend, therefore, satisfied that at this moment at least the standards of safety in this building are not up to the requirements of other public work houses?

Mr. Loughlin

I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by "public work houses". In view of the fact that there has not been a major fire in this building for 126 years, touch wood, I think we can assume that the building is relatively safe. Of course, there is a fire control system in the House, and I would not like it to be thought that there are no preventive measures.

Mr. Howie

Does my hon. Friend agree that 126 years is rather a long time between major fires? What does he intend doing about it?

Mr. Loughlin

I appreciate that the longer it goes on, the shorter the odds get. However, the whole system is being looked at at present, and we hope to have an entirely new scheme started next year.