HC Deb 08 May 1972 vol 836 cc900-1
25. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in view of his responsibility for tourism, what effect he expects the Fire Precautions Act to have upon small hotels; and what estimate he has made of the number of hotels which will be required to undertake work directly as a result of the implementation of the Act.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I cannot give an estimate. Questions about the requirements of the Fire Precautions Act are matters for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department. I am aware of the concern over the implementation of the Act and I have discussed this with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. I understand that he has arranged to have further discussions with my hon. Friend and other hon. Members whose constituents are affected.

Mr. Adley

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his help in this matter. Is not the fact that he cannot give me figures an indication that perhaps the Home Office rather hastily introduced this legislation without the fullest consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry and with the Treasury? Will he undertake to have further urgent consultations not only with the Home Office but also with the Treasury about the question of availability of loans to the people concerned?

Mr. Grant

I take careful note of what my hon. Friend says and will pursue discussions with my colleagues. On the question of loans, I saw a Press report that the British Hotel and Restaurants Association is making arrangements for a system of loans, at possibly favourable rates, to cover work on fire precautions. I hope that this comes to fruition.

Mr. Douglas

Will the hon. Gentleman have discussions with his colleagues responsible for tourism and catering in Scotland?

Mr. Grant

Yes, Sir, and with the tourist boards themselves.

Mr. Blaker

Is my hon. Friend aware that it would not be realistic, or necessary, to insist on the installation in existing small hotels and boarding houses of the same type of fire fighting apparatus and the same means of escape as are required in new, modern hotels? Will he urge his right hon. Friend to make it clear that the code is intended to be applied in a reasonable and commonsense way?

Mr. Grant

I am sure that it will be the wish of my right hon. Friend to apply the code in a reasonable and commonsense way. In any event, I am sure that my right hon. Friend understands the point which my hon. Friend has made.