§ Sir N. Cooper-Keyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is satisfied that the regulations relating to fire and emergency exits are adequate having regard to modern building design and the use of new fabrics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CorfieldMeans of escape from fire in existing factories, offices, shops and railway premises are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. For other buildings the principal statutory provisions are Sections 59 and 60 of the Public Health Act, 1936. Proposals for the amendment of these Sections in relation to existing buildings have recently been262W circulated to interested bodies by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, along with other proposals for amending the law on fire precautions. The question of amending legislation in relation to new buildings will shortly become the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works and he has already given it preliminary consideration.