§ Mr. COOKasked the First Commissioner of Works what precautions are taken against fire within the Palace of Westminster; which Department is responsible for dealing with the situation in the first instance; and how frequently are those responsible instructed in their respective duties?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe fire precautions, which are inspected annually by the London Fire Brigade, consist of arrangements for transmitting an alarm rapidly to a police officer in the building who is in direct communication with the London Fire Brigade station, and an installation in the building of fire-fighting appliances which is maintained in proper order by my Department; the police and the custodians employed by the Lord Great Chamberlain are responsible for manning the fire appliances; fire drill is, I understand, carried out weekly.