Buildings of Historic and Public Interest (Fire Precautions)

HC Deb 23 March 1967 vol 743 cc344-5W

51. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he has taken to ensure that all buildings of historic and public interest under his control are protected from fire risk.

Mr. Prentice

All such buildings under my control are protected by schemes to combat fire risks. These are devised by the department's Fire Officers, who also make periodical inspections.

Direct fire alarm links are made where necessary with local authority fire brigades, and the fire authorities are given facilities to familiarise themselves with the buildings.

Where buildings are some distance from fire stations, my Department appoints its own firemen to ensure that fire precautions are observed and to take emergency action until the fire brigade arrives.