§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the neglect on the part of many local authorities, notably on the part of the Keighley District Council, to perform their duties with regard to fire escapes; and, in view of the danger to life involved, what steps the Home Office has taken to act under Sections 4 and 5 of the Factory and Work shops Act?.
§ Sir J. BAIRDThis matter is the subject of constant attention on the part of the Factory Inspectors concerned. As regards Keighley, I am informed that the District Inspector has been successfully pressing the Borough Council to carry out the provisions of the Act, and that joint inspection of works where the existing arrangements are unsatisfactory are now being made by the Inspector and the Council's Engineer, and instructions are being issued in every case. In one instance the Council is taking proceedings against an occupier for failure to comply with its requirements. In view of the attitude of the local authority, no question, I am glad to say, any longer arises as to the Home Office taking action in default.