§ Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the fire 431W which occurred at Withernsea (Yorks), in the early hours of the 25th June, when it was found that the alarm bell was useless and no key available for the water hydrant, and whether he will obtain powers for the Ministry of Health to inspect the adequacy of the preventive arrangements against fire which it is the duty of local authorities to maintain?
§ Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the facts of this case, and have been in communication with the council. The general question of the duties of local authorities in connection with fire prevention is being considered in connection with the Report of the Royal Commission on Fire Brigades and Fire Prevention.