HC Deb 14 July 1939 vol 349 c2580W
Sir A. Wilson

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that the recent fatal fire in Queen Victoria Street, on non-factory premises of Messrs. Schenker, was caused primarily by an unprotected open lift-shaft, of a design which would not have complied with the Factories Act; and whether he will initiate legislation in communication with the Ministry of Health and the British Standards Institution, with a view to introducing minimum compulsory standards of security in the construction and maintenance of lifts and hoists for passengers and goods on non-factory and residential premises?

Mr. Peake

My right hon. Friend is aware of the facts mentioned by my hon. Friend, but he is advised that so far as concerns London the London Building Acts already contain powers enabling the County Council to deal with this class of case. As regards the last part of the Question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to his Question on 13th July.