HC Deb 02 July 1974 vol 876 cc215-9
Mr. Teddy Taylor (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the fire which took place in the Blind Craft workshop in Glasgow in which a fatality occurred.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Hugh D. Brown)

A call was received at Glasgow Fire Brigade headquarters at 1.32 p.m. on Monday 1st July to a fire which had broken out shortly after lunch time at the Blind Craft factory in Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow. Twenty fire appliances attended. At the time the appliances arrived about 230 people had been safely evacuated from the building, which was by then well alight on the fifth storey. The fire was brought under control in one hour. I regret to say that the body of a blind male employee was found lying near a door on the fifth storey. The House will wish me to express sympathy with the relatives. I would also join the fire service and the police in congratulating those responsible for the evacuation of the building. They undoubtedly prevented a far worse tragedy. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

A public inquiry will be held under the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiries (Scotland) Acts 1895 to 1906.

Mr. Taylor

I offer my sincere congratulations to the Minister on his first appearance at the Dispatch Box.

Does the Minister agree that the most remarkable aspect of this tragedy was the efficient way in which the 250 blind and partially sighted workers were evacuated from the building in about three minutes while the fire was raging? Is that not a clear demonstration of the value of fire drills in factories, and particularly in Glasgow, where we have far too many fire tragedies? Will the Minister take a personal interest in ensuring that urgent steps are taken to repair the workshop, which provides such valuable employment to the blind in Glasgow?

Mr. Brown

I thank the hon. Gentleman for the compliment which he paid me. I regret that my debut has to be on an occasion such as this. For obvious reasons I think that the precautions taken by the staff have been excellent. They were familiar with fire drill procedures, and I agree that they are perhaps an example to others who are more fortunate in having all their faculties. Any help that can be given and within my responsibility, will be given urgently and sympathetically.

Mr. Craigen

I am grateful for the Minister's statement and I add my sympathy to that which has already been expressed.

I believe that the fire and police authorities acted with commendable speed in the rescue arrangements. I hope that, pending the results of the inquiry into this tragedy, the Minister will authorise an immediate review of the fire prevention arrangements in any workshops where blind or disabled people are working. I am grateful for my hon. Friend's assurance that he will give all possible help to the reconstruction of the Blind Craft centre in Glasgow.

Mr. Brown

I know of the interest that my hon. Friend takes in the Blind Craft factory. He has followed the excellent work that was done by his predecessor. I can give him the assurance that all the regulations were complied with and that the building held a fire certificate. My right hon. Friend will consult his colleagues to ascertain whether there is any need for further advice or information to be given to people who are employed in protected workshops.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I also welcome the hon. Gentleman to the Government Front Bench. I am sorry that his first appearance at the Dispatch Box should be on such a sad occasion.

I join the tribute of my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor) to the fire brigade, and I emphasise the benefit of fire drills. I know the interest that the Minister takes in these matters and I hope that he may use this occasion to emphasise to everyone in Scotland the benefit of proper fire prevention and fire precaution measures. As this tragedy comes early in the Scottish tourist season, I hope that he will use this opportunity to emphasise to everyone the benefit of such measures when properly carried out.

Mr. Brown

I am sure that there is great public interest in and sympathy with anything associated with blind people. It is unfortunate that yet another life should be lost in a fire, but it will perhaps remind the community of its general responsibility for taking the maximum precautions to prevent any further tragedies in any building of any kind. I shall take advantage of the public's response and sympathy on this occasion.

Mr. Buchanan

I ask my hon. Friend to reinforce the appeal that has been made regarding the protected nature of these workshops. If it is to take a long time to restore or rebuild the workshop, will my hon. Friend undertake to try to find some temporary premises in which these unfortunate unsighted people may be employed?

Mr. Brown

I repeat what I have already said. I give my hon. Friend the assurance that we shall do everything we can to help to restore the building. As far as we know, one floor has been badly damaged and possibly another has been affected. That damage will not mean the loss of employment for the majority of those employed. I can assure my hon. Friend that anything that needs to be done will be done urgently. I know that my hon. Friend is the Member for a constituency near where the factory is sited. I shall get in touch with him and with other hon. Members who have an interest.

Dr. M. S. Miller

I add my congratulations to my hon. Friend on his elevation to his exalted position.

As a fatality occurred on this occasion, is my hon. Friend satisfied that this was an inadvertent disaster? Will he ensure that any lesson which can be drawn from it is made clear in every respect and that any necessary steps will be taken in future to avoid a similar disaster involving people of such drastic incapacity?

Mr. Brown

It would be wrong to make any comment on any detail as there will be a public inquiry. To the best of my knowledge this incident did not happen arising out of the nature of the work carried out in the factory. I think that that answers my hon. Friend. At the moment it appears to be just an unfortunate accident.

Mr. Barry Henderson

I associate myself with the sympathy expressed by my hon. Friends and by Labour hon. Members. I ask the Minister to address himself particularly to the reopening of the workshop's full facilities. Does he confirm that a substantial part of the finance for the operation of the workshop comes from a number of local authorities? In a situation like this it may be that he could use his good offices to get them to meet so that any decision that can be taken can be taken speedily.

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the workshop is administered by a joint committee that represents almost all the local authorities in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. We have already made contact with them, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall do everything possible as quickly as possible to ensure that all the employees are back at work as soon as possible.