HC Deb 15 August 1940 vol 364 cc1000-1W
Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the fire at St. Katherine's Wharf; how many tons of tea were burnt; the cause of the fire; and how many big fires have been reported in the Metropolitan Police Area during 1940, including the one at Leyton garage?

Sir J. Anderson

On 9th August a large dock warehouse building and its contents were severely damaged by fire, the cause of which is unknown, and about 200 tons of tea were destroyed. There have been 34 large fires in the Metropolitan Police District during 1940.

Mr. Magnay

asked the Home Secretary whether the tea warehouse at St. Katherine's Wharf, London, recently destroyed by fire, was equipped with adequate automatically operating fire prevention apparatus?

Sir J. Anderson

I am informed that no automatic fire appliances were installed on these premises.