HL Deb 09 March 1992 vol 536 cc44-5WA
Lord Erroll

of Hale asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to ensure the fitting of strong protective rails at the rear of raised platforms in conference and meeting halls where there is a gap between the platform and the wall behind it.

Earl Ferrers

Various safety provisions may already apply depending on the circumstances. Where the conference or meeting is in a hotel then, for all but the smallest hotels, a fire certificate is needed. Certification places requirements on the occupier to consult the fire authority if the use of any part of the premises—for example, a ballroom used as a conference or meeting hall—involves a material alteration in the internal arrangement of the premises or in the furniture or equipment with which the premises are provided.

The occupier is also required to consult the licensing authority—the district or London borough council—if it is intended that the premises will be used for public music and dancing and other similar public entertainments.

I am not aware of what consultation took place before the events which aroused the noble Lord's concern and which he has listed for me. I have made enquiries and I will write to him when further information is available.