§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long Joyce Green Hospital at Dartford has been without an effective fire alarm system; what action has been taken to remedy this situation; and if he will now ensure the speedy reinstatement of such facilities.
§ Mr. MoyleThe permanent fire alarm system at Joyce Green Hospital unfortunately became defective and had to be taken out of service on 28th October 1977. Substitute arrangements have been made consisting of two external sirens, a local warning unit on each floor of the staff residence and a telephone-based emergency call facility throughout the hospital. These should constitute an effective fire alarm system pending the installation of a new permanent system which will cost £80,000 and is planned to begin in March 1978.