§ Mr. Hughesasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the difficulties arising with regard to the fire protection of empty premises; and how he proposes to ensure that they shall be properly protected at the expense of those who should properly carry the burden?
§ Miss WilkinsonI have now made an Order under which Regional Commissioners in England and Wales are empowered to issue directions in respect of vacant residential buildings. These directions will provide that, where there are outer gates, one at least of the gates is to be kept unlocked, that immediately inside or outside the main door of such premises not less than 4 gallons of water is to be provided, that in the case of top storeys of such buildings, part of the black-out is to be removed from at least one of the windows, and that occupiers are to hand over the keys of such buildings, if called upon to do so. I am examining the corresponding problem as regards vacant business premises.