§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that certain proprietors of tenement property in Scottish towns are refusing to supply ladders and other equipment necessary for the fighting of fire; and whether, under the War Damage Act, failure to do their duty in these respects will be penalised by reducing, or nullifying, their rights to the statutory compensation?
1422W
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir. I am aware that there have been certain difficulties. There is, however, no obligation upon proprietors of tenement property to supply equipment for fire prevention purposes. It is the duty of local authorities, who have been directed under the Defence Regulations, to make fire prevention arrangements in the residential parts of their areas and it is clearly in the interests of owners of property that they should cooperate in these arrangements to the fullest possible extent.