HC Deb 27 July 1972 vol 841 cc2043-4
16. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will undertake a review of fire fighting arrangements for hospitals and other public buildings.

Mr. Lane

I have no reason to believe that the arrangements made by local authority fire brigades for fighting fires in such buildings are in need of review. Fire precautions, including internal fire-fighting arrangements, are primarily the responsibility of the public authorities concerned, but the advice of the local fire authorities is freely available.

Mr. Fraser

As recent tragic events show that when a building is protected for the purposes of security it is often made more dangerous from a fire-fighting point of view, will the hon. Gentleman make sure that every public building has good access for fire brigades? Will he also ensure that when alterations are made which may cause a fire risk there is complete consultation between the fire authority and the public authority involved?

Mr. Lane

I hope that that always takes place and I will see whether it can be made even closer. Following the tragic events at Coldharbour Hospital, there is a public inquiry going on which will be taking account of this point. We shall do all we can to make this apply to public buildings generally.