Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of the Environment, the Department of Energy and the Home Office in relation to regulating the use of defective electrical wiring in premises particularly where a fire risk is involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. Under the Electricity Supply Regulations 1937, for which the Secretary of State for Energy is responsible, an electricity board in specified circumstances may refuse to give a supply or may disconnect an existing supply to a consumer whose electrical installation is unsafe. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Bill confers powers on the Secretary of State for the Environment to make building regulations governing electrical installations in new buildings and imposing continuing requirements in relation to such installations. The Home Office booklet "Danger from Fire", recently distributed to households throughout the country, warns householders of the fire risks associated with defective electrical wiring and of the need to check electrical installations regularly.