§ Mr. N. Bowerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he is aware that the system under which the fire-watching regulations in respect of certain buildings controlled by Government Departments are prescribed by the Department concerned instead of by the local authority in whose area the buildings are situated gives rise to certain anomalies; and if he will take steps to introduce some uniformity of practice in the administration of these regulations by making it obligatory for the various Departments to consult the local authorities concerned before issuing new fire-watching instructions in respect of their buildings.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am not clear what anomalies my hon. Friend may have in mind. Under the Fire Guard (Business and Government Premises) Order, 1943, Government Departments are responsible for ensuring that adequate fire guard arrangements are in force for Government premises and certain important business premises. In exercising their functions under this Order, they are independent authorities; but there is close co-operation between them and my Department in securing, so far as possible, uniformity of practice in the administration of the Order.