§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to ensure that proper fire drill at regular intervals is undertaken at premises where significant numbers of people are employed, and that fire drill should be inspected by a member of the local fire service; and if he will review the provisions of current legislation in this respect.
§ Mr. MellorBy virtue of orders made under section 1 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971, most larger premises used as a hotel, factory, office or shop are required to have a fire certificate obtained from the local fire authority. The Act empowers the fire authority to include in a certificate requirements for securing that employees receive appropriate instruction or training in what to do in case of fire, and that records are kept of such instruction or training. It is for fire authorities to determine the requirements appropriate to particular circumstances and any measures necessary to secure compliance with them. The Department has recently concluded a major review of the provisions of the 1971 Act, and we hope to issue a consultative document later in the year announcing the outcome and seeking views.
Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to give local authorities 120W in Wales the power to require steps to be taken by the owners of buildings which may constitute fire risks, to minimise those risks by specific action as recommended by the fire authority and for such action to be completed within a stipulated period of time.
§ Mr. MellorUnder the Fire Precautions Act 1971, fire authorities already have extensive powers to require steps to be taken to bring the means of escape and related fire precautions in designated premises up to a satisfactory standard. These powers enable action to be taken to reduce any hazards in the premises which might endanger life in the event of fire, and I am aware of no case for adding to them.