§ 14. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to require persons letting domestic accommodation to provide adequate fire escapes.
§ Mr. SharplesWhere the occupants of domestic accommodation are at unusual risk in the event of fire, for example in high blocks of flats, legislation already exists to secure means of escape. My right hon. Friend sees no need for the legislation proposed.
§ Mr. TilneyHow many people have lost their lives in the last two years from fires in rented accommodation? Would not many deaths have been prevented had a comparatively inexpensive collapsible ladder been attached to the wall below the upper window?
§ Mr. SharplesI cannot, without notice, give the figures for which my hon. Friend asks. He will know that, under the 1961 and 1969 Housing Acts, where houses are in multiple occupation the local authority can require such means of escape to be provided as it considers necessary. It would be very difficult to extend this provision to every private house.
§ Mr. LiptonWill the Minister of State look at the letter addressed to his right hon. Friend a few days ago complaining of the inadequate fire precautions at Arlington Lodge, a large block of flats on Brixton Hill, where the fire precaution arangements are unsatisfactory?
§ Mr. SharplesYes, I will look carefully at that letter.
§ Mr. LeadbitterWill the Minister of State bear in mind that, although the legislation is there, the enforcement is not? A few months ago in my constituency a young couple lost their lives because the means of escape were inadequate. Will the Minister ensure the enforcement of this legislation by circularising local authorities and asking what steps they are taking?
§ Mr. SharplesThe hon. Gentleman knows that the Fire Precautions Act has recently become law and will be brought into operation by stages.