HC Deb 14 February 1946 vol 419 cc161-2W
Major C. Poole

asked the Minister of Works why his Department have given instructions for the destruction by the N.F.S. in Region 9, of fire extinguishers which are serviceable and in great public demand; and will he immediately cancel such instructions and make these articles available for purchase by the public.

Mr. Wilson

Extinguishers of the type referred to are subject to deterioration which is not readily apparent. In view of the very large production during the war it has been decided that it would be wrong to sell to the public any extinguishers which have been subject to the risk of deterioration or alternatively to incur the expense of testing and reconditioning. Any sound extinguishers which have not been subjected to conditions where deterioration is likely to occur will be sold through normal trade channels in accordance with Government policy.