§ 2.45 p.m.
§ Viscount St. Davids asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ How many local authorities still do not insist on RCD or similar circuit-breakers in hotels, houses in multiple occupation, workplaces and new housing.
§ Lord HeskethMy Lords, local authorities have no specific power to control electrical installations except in Scotland, where there are requirements in the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations. The Institution of Electrical Engineers' wiring regulations, which are widely followed in the industry, recommend the use of RCD circuit-breakers in certain situations.
Viscount St. DavidsMy Lords, has the noble Lord noticed that where these devices are used there has been a marked decrease both in the number of people killed by electrocution and in house fires produced by faulty electric circuits? Should not a great deal more be done to push local authorities, and to give them powers where they fail to have them, and also to make sure that all workshops, multiple-use houses and private houses have circuit-breakers fitted? Even now, too many people are being killed by using electric lawnmowers without such protection.
§ Lord HeskethMy Lords, it is felt in this matter that self-regulation in the industry has produced generally satisfactory results. Representations are being made to us at present. However, one great difficulty is that problems with electrical wiring tend to arise from inadequate maintenance or alterations carried out by unqualified people. It is difficult to enforce control of such matters, especially in people's homes.
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, is there an opportunity for the Government to extend the powers of local authorities, as the noble Viscount suggested, when we come to the standardisation of electrical equipment within the European Community?
§ Lord HeskethMy Lords, I have already said that the Government are at present listening to various bodies with views on the subject. The greatest attention will be paid to those views.