§ Major Lyonsasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to recent accidents to children who have fallen into static water tanks of the National Fire Service; and whether he will consider the provision of adequate protection where such tanks are easily accessible to children?
§ Miss WilkinsonYes, Sir. All reasonable precautions are taken to lessen the risk of accident, particularly where static water installations are in places to which children have ready access. Basins in the basements of bombed buildings are walled in where necessary; open basins below ground are safeguarded by chestnut or other fencing; and tanks above ground are protected by wire mesh, if they are in parks where children may play, or on or near children's playgrounds. Lifebuoys are provided at the larger basins, or where there is any special risk. Arrangements have also been made, in collaboration with the Board of Education, for publicity to be given in schools to the dangers presented by water installations. Shortages of materials and man power make it impracticable to provide for all contingencies, or to maintain personnel as guards over the basins. But recent instructions have stressed the importance of seeing that the safeguards which have been provided are inspected as often as is practicable, and maintained in effective condition. The effect of these measures will be much increased if 2167W parents, and all persons entrusted with the care of young children, will take every opportunity to impress upon their charges the importance of keeping away from the danger.