§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied about the adequacy of fire prevention regulations governing self-service petrol stations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerResponsibility for the administration of controls over premises used for the storage of petroleum spirit, including self-service petrol stations, now rests with the Health and Safety Commission set up under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Such premises require a licence from the appropriate local authority, which may attach to it whatever conditions seem appropriate to ensure the safekeeping of the petroleum spirit. Local authorities are guided by a Model Code of Principles of Construction and Licensing Conditions which contains a recommended condition that the fire fighting equipment should be agreed with the licensing authority. I understand that the Health and Safety Commission has no immediate plans for altering the present controls.