§ 88. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Works the cause of the recent fire at Hampton Court Palace; and what special fire precautions are taken in buildings of special historic and artistic importance.
§ Mr. EcclesA full inquiry has been held and a fire research report made by the Chief Fire Officer, Middlesex. This suggests possible causes of the fire, but the actual cause cannot be stated with certainty. My Department has a Fire Surveyor who advises on fire precautions in all the buildings in my charge, and a staff of fire inspectors to ensure that proper precautions are taken. Special attention is given to buildings of historic or artistic importance; and resident fire brigades, fire patrols and alarm systems are provided according to the importance and requirements of the building.