HC Deb 12 March 1969 vol 779 cc1366-7
31. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to ensure that local authorities in Scotland provide their tenants with adequate fire fighting equipment, particularly in high blocks of flats and buildings of more than two storeys.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

Local authorities will no doubt be concerned with recent tragic house fires and look to the maintenance of fire fighting equipment. In addition I hope they will consider sending to all their tenants an advisory leaflet on fire precautions and action in the event of fire, as the Scottish Special Housing Association has done.

Sir J. Gilmour

Could the Minister clarify whose responsibility it is to provide fire fighting equipment? Does it rest solely on the tenants or do the local authorities have to provide any such equipment?

Dr. Mabon

Without notice, I could not give a definitive legal answer on that point. I should have to look it up.

At the moment local authorities accept the primary responsibility here, and they have a duty to make tenants aware of the need for ordinary care. I hope that they will follow the example of the Scottish Special Housing Association. However, I will write to the hon. Gentleman on that point.