§ Mr. GROVESasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the fact that 99 per cent. of fires in cinemas originate in the projecting machine whilst the film is being operated, and that the panic which follows is due to the fact that the slightest flame in the projecting machine is magnified ten thousand fold on the screen; whether he is aware of the existence of certain mechanical devices which will when attached to a cinema projector automatically prevent possibility of fire; and if such a device be in existence will he recommend its use to all local licensing authorities?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am advised that there are several devices which are designed to prevent the film catching fire when the machine stops or the speed is reduced and some of these are in regular use, but it would not be possible for the Home Office to prescribe the adoption of any particular appliance in its regulations. These regulations are specially designed to reduce the risk of fire to a minimum and, as I said in answer to a recent question, if the investigation into the disaster at Paisley shows that they are in any respect inadequate, the question of amending them will be immediately considered. I may add, however, that the fire at Paisley did not originate in or near the operating enclosure.