§ Mr. Maddanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the number of fires caused by electric blankets and on the increase in the number of these fires compared with the number of blankets in use; and whether he will make a regulation under the Consumer Protection Act 1961 providing for all electric blankets to be made of non-inflammable material, for a safety device to be incorporated to operate in the event of over-heating or of an electrical failure, and for servicing and repairs, in view of the success of a similar regulation in force in New Zealand.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe numbers of such fires in recent years attended by fire brigades in England and Wales were as follows:—
The numbers of electric blankets in use during this period are not known, although it has been estimated that in 1960 the number was about 3½ million. The great majority of manufacturers already comply with the requirements of the current British Standard, which include the the safeguards mentioned, but my right hon. Friend will keep the possible need for Regulations under close review.
1960 … … … 708 1961 … … … 908 1962 … … … 1,268 1963 … … … 1,506 1964 … … … 1,422