§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he can give any further explanation of the r,000 fires which occur daily in factories; and what is the aggregate loss in money represented and in working time?
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§ Sir S. CrippsThe figure quoted in my recent speech referred to the total number of fires of all descriptions occurring daily—not all of them in factories or industrial units. So far as fires in aircraft factories are concerned, an analysis of reported fires indicates that approximately 50 per cent. are caused by cigarette smoking; 25 per cent. arise our of industrial process, the balance being due to miscellaneous causes. I an doing everything possible to impress on all concerned the dangers of negligence and the need for the utmost care being exercised. I regret that I am unable to give the information asked for in the last part of the Question.