28. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to local fire officers concerning the installation of fire precaution devices in residential homes for old people and children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAdvice issued to chief fire officers last year stated that fire detection systems in such premises must be adequate to ensure that a warning will 33W be received before heat and smoke and fire have had time to spread and affect escape routes. Where the provision of smoke detectors in corridors, circulation spaces and communal rooms does not adequately meet this objective, it is necessary to consider providing, additionally, smoke detectors in individual rooms of certain types of construction or location. Further research on the most effective siting of detectors is being conducted at the Fire Research Station.