§ 2.35 p.m.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in addition to the film on inflammable clothing issued by the Central Office of Information last July and the one calledGuard that Fire, they will now sponsor one dealing with the dangers arising when flammable materials are used at home for making up nightdresses for children and old people.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONHAM)My Lords, we are grateful for this suggestion, and shall certainly see if it can be adopted, although I should point out that the first film my noble friend mentioned already includes a warning of the kind she has in mind.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend if he is aware how grateful I am for that reply, particularly the first part of it? But may I ask him if he would stress to his right honourable friend the importance of this—because he will remember that on November 18 last he referred in this House to the tragedy of a child who had been burnt to death because it was wearing a nightdress made up by its mother from material at home. Will he do all he can to expedite this?
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, I had hoped that my Answer would indicate to my noble friend that we are doing so, but I can add that we are now looking 102 into the possibility of producing a very short television film, using still pictures with suitable captions and commentary, because this kind of film can be produced quite quickly.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYI am much obliged to my noble friend.
§ LORD AIREDALEMy Lords, would the Minister have a look at an electric blanket which is referred to in this month's edition of the magazineWhich? This is an electric blanket which, in the opinion of the magazine, is potentially dangerous and is apparently on sale in the shops.
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, I will most certainly look at the article to which the noble Lord has referred, but he will appreciate that, although in general it is on the same subject, this comes under a different set of regulations.