§ 63. Mr. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what part his officers have played in investigating and establishing causes of the recent fire at the Jaguar car factory at Coventry; what form his report will take; and when it will be published.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe Chief Constable of Coventry, after consulting the Chief Fire Officer, asked Dr. J. B. Firth, the Director of the Home Office North Western Forensic Science Laboratory, to investigate the cause of this fire. Dr. Firth's report was submitted to the Chief Constable yesterday and I am informed it is to the effect that there is no evidence of arson. Dr. Firth thinks it probable that the fire, which started in the tyre store, was caused by some such means as a carelessly dropped match or cigarette end; but this cannot be established with certainty, because of the extent of the damage. It would be contrary to practice to publish a report of this kind.
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§ 68. Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, arising out of his inquiry, what information he has about the communication which the Chief Fire Officer in the city of Coventry addressed to the Jaguar Motor Company in connection with the fire hazard of the insulating lining of the roof of the Jaguar factory.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am informed that in November, 1956, the Chief Fire Officer of Coventry gave to the Jaguar Motor Company, at its request, a comprehensive report about fire risks and precautions in the factory and that this report referred to the fire hazard of the roof, which was partly attributed to the nature of the roof lining.