HC Deb 29 April 1971 vol 816 cc694-5
14. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that fire prevention is an integral part of all full-scale industrial training courses recognised for grant by industrial training boards.

Mr. Bryan

It is generally accepted by boards that safety training, including fire prevention, should form an integral part of industrial training. My Department has recently reminded boards of the importance of safety training.

Mr. Tilney

Since fire losses last month were £11 million, would my hon. Friend agree that it is immensely important that all workers should, if possible, be trained in fire precautions, as this will help protect their jobs?

Mr. Bryan

Fire training is part of the general safety training. I do not doubt that in the Robens Report, which we are expecting before long, this point will be covered, and we can reconsider the point. In the meantime, apart from advice the Department supplies nominated inspectors from the Factory Inspectorate who give advice to the boards.