§ 2.42 p.m.
§ LORD RATHCAVANMy 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 what has been the total value of properties destroyed by fire in Great Britain in the years 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966 respectively; and whether they can say how these figures compare with those of the preceding four years.]
§ LORD BOWLESMy Lords, the only available statistics are the estimates of annual fire losses published by the British Insurance Association, which before 1962 related only to the United Kingdom. Since that date the estimated fire losses for Great Britain have been as follows—I give the figures to the nearest £1 million: in 1962, £54 million; in 1963, £65 million; in 1964, £76 million; in 1965, £74 million, and in 1966, £80 million.
§ LORD RATHCAVANMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord two supplementary questions? The figures which he has given show quite considerable increases in recent years. Can he give any reason or cause why fire losses now appear to be so much greater than they used to be? Secondly, can he say what action, if any, has been taken by the Government or by local authorities to bring home to the people the danger of fire and to suggest precautions which may be taken against it?
§ LORD BOWLESMy Lords, in answer to the noble Lord's first supplementary question, I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of fires since 1958. While there has been a general upward trend in the number of fires, these figures bear no direct relationship to the increase in estimated fire losses. This is because a small number of fires make a major contribution to fire losses each year. For example, in 1965 less than 1 per cent. of the fires accounted for 62 per cent. of the 150 estimated fire losses for that year. The Government view with concern the increase in the estimated fire losses. Several factors have contributed to it, including the growth in population; the larger number of properties; the general increase in the value of property and materials; and the increase in the number and variety of potential sources of fires in industry as a result of the introduction of new and potentially hazardous materials and sources. There is no doubt, however, that most of the fires are caused either by personal carelessness or by ignorance.
In answer to the noble Lord's second supplementary question, as to what action, if any, the Government are taking, publicity is undertaken by Government Departments, lire authorities and insurance interests to make the public more aware of the dangers to life and property caused by fire. This is important, as it is clear that most fires are caused by personal carelessness or ignorance. Publicity is undertaken through the medium of television, the Press and education in schools. These activities are co-ordinated by the Information Sub-Committee of the Joint Fire Prevention Committee of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Councils for England and Wales and for Scotland. One of the general matters which the recently announced Departmental Committee on the Fire Service will consider is the need for further fire prevention measures.
LORD FARINGDONMy Lords, I wonder whether my noble friend could tell me if it is not a fact that there is throughout the country a severe shortage of fire prevention officers?
§ LORD BOWLESMy Lords, I am afraid that without notice I cannot answer my noble friend's question; but I will certainly have the matter inquired into and will write to him.
§ LORD PEDDIEMy Lords, is my noble friend aware of the considerable contribution towards fire prevention that is made by industrial auxiliary fire brigades, operated by private firms? In the light of that evidence, which I am sure will be in my noble friend's possession, may I ask what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to encourage such efforts by private firms within industry
§ LORD BOWLESMy Lords, it is well known, of course, that a great deal of help on fire protection matters is given to various managements by local fire brigades. I am also certain, from my experience, that a great deal of help is also given by fire advisers in the factories themselves.
§ Following are the figures referred to:
| NUMBER OF FIRES—EXCLUDING CHIMNEYS, GRASS HEATHLAND AND RAILWAY EMBANKMENTS | ||
| United Kingdom | Great Britain | |
| 1958 | 80,008 | 78,920 |
| 1959 | 115,416 | 113,892 |
| 1960 | 99,960 | 98,188 |
| 1961 | 114,604 | 112,990 |
| 1962 | 122,378 | 120,456 |
| 1963 | 125,732 | 123,802 |
| 1964 | 148,568 | 146,478 |
| 1965 | 138,460 | 136,463 |
| (provisional) | (provisional) |