HC Deb 17 July 1969 vol 787 c870
21. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to compel private schools to install fire escapes, smoke doors and adequate fire precautions generally.

Miss Bacon

My right hon. Friend already exercises his powers under Section 71 of the Education Act to require all independent schools to have adequate fire precautions and means of escape in the event of fire.

Mr. Lipton

To what extent are the powers exercised? Does my right hon. Friend realise that quite a number of these private schools are housed in accommodation which was never intended to be used as private school premises, and one of these days there could be an awful tragedy, which ought to be prevented now?

Miss Bacon

If my hon. Friend has any examples, I shall be glad to go into them. Chief fire officers arrange inspections of independent schools on their own initiative, or sometimes at the request of Her Majesty's inspectors who, after visits, may feel that the fire precautions are not adequate.