§ 20. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will amend the regulations to ensure there is a statutory requirement to make compulsory and regular inspections for fire risk in Scottish schools.
§ Mr. MillanNo, Sir. In my view, the responsibility for ensuring that schools are regularly inspected for this purpose is best left to the education authorities or other school managers, with advice from the local fire authority.
§ Mr. HunterIs my hon. Friend aware that much is wrong with the provision for fire inspection in schools, and that the teachers' organisation in Scotland has sent representations to him—this, of course, is coincidental and not collusion? Will he do something, and does the fault lie in the cost?
§ Mr. MillanNo, inspection costs virtually nothing. This is a matter which can be left to the education authorities. I am not aware that the general position in Scotland is unsatisfactory. If there are complaints about particular authorities and particular schools, I shall certainly look into them.