§ Mr. HARDIEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that at the present time there are no provisions for inspection of places where petroleum is kept; and what steps he proposes to give safeguards against fire and explosion?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe position of affairs indicated by my hon. Friend is scarcely correct. The Petroleum Act, 1928, gives adequate powers for the inspection of places where petroleum spirit is kept under licence, but I presume my hon. Friend has in mind places where the spirit is kept for private use in motor cars or otherwise, which would normally be governed by the Regulations made under Section 10 and exempted from the requirement of a licence. A Bill to confer these powers of inspection on local authorities, which has been introduced by my hon. Friend is now before the House, and I am prepared to regard it with every sympathy, but I regret that the pressure of business during the present Session makes it impossible for the time being to promise it any facilities.