HC Deb 03 December 1964 vol 703 cc104-5W
52. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the steep rise during recent years in the amount of fire losses in Great Britain, what plans he has for remedial action in the near and immediate future.

Mr. George Thomas

The Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 contain provisions relating to fire precautions which have as their main purpose the protection of life, but which should help indirectly to raise the standards of fire safety in industrial and commercial premises where the bulk of fire losses occur. Centrally run courses for training fire prevention officers are being expanded, and fire authorities are always ready to advise managements about any additional fire precautions which may be needed in particular premises. Arrangements have been made for co-ordinating the publicity undertaken by Government Departments, fire authorities and insurance interests and designed to make the public more aware of the danger to life and property caused by fire.