HC Deb 22 February 1966 vol 725 cc76-7W
Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deaths have resulted from fires caused by electric blankets during the past 12 months; and what progress he is making with his review of this matter.

Mr. George Thomas

The provisional figure for 1965 is eight in England and Wales. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the statement made on 10th February in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Hove (Mr. Maddan).

Mr. Maddan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will now consult the British Standards Institution with a view to the issue by them of a British Standard covering the servicing of electric blankets on the lines of the New Zealand code of practice which was made mandatory in 1961;

(2) whether he will consult the British Standards Institution with a view to the amendment by them of the British Standard for electric blankets so as to require that all blankets which have no safety device will remain flame-resistant after having been wetted, whether accidentally, during cleaning or otherwise.

Mr. George Thomas

My right hon. Friend will gladly invite the British Standards Institution, which keeps its Standards constantly under review, to consider these two proposals.