HC Deb 20 May 1982 vol 24 c456
Mr. Sainsbury

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the guide to fire precautions in residential care premises.

Mr. Mayhew

We hope to be able to publish the draft guide in the late summer.

Mr. Sainsbury

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that there are about 450 fires per annum in residential homes for the elderly and that it is nearly two and a half years since I was told in an Adjournment debate that a code of guidance would be prepared? Is he further aware that it is nearly six months since the end of the consultation period on that code of guidance? Is it not time that my hon. and learned Friend got on with publishing the document?

Mr. Mayhew

I accept that that amount of time has elapsed. On the other hand, three separate rounds of consultations have taken place. The last revision is expected to take another six to eight weeks, but we hope to arrange publication by the late summer.