§ Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Minister of War Transport what Regulations exist to prevent public service 316W vehicles carrying types of fire extinguishers which produce poisonous fumes thereby leading to injury to passengers when in use.
§ Mr. BarnesThe only extinguishers permitted under the Regulations governing this matter which give off poisonous fumes when in use are those of the carbon tetrachloride type. I am advised that the concentration of gas from a small extinguisher of this type when used in the open or in a well ventilated space such as the interior of a public service vehicle is not sufficient to cause injury. So far as I am aware, no injury has in fact been caused to passengers by the use of this type of extinguisher.
§ Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Minister of War Transport why his Department require public service vehicles to carry fire extinguishers complying with a specification drawn up by the Fire Officers' Committee instead of with the specification of his own Department.
§ Mr. BarnesThe provisions as to the carriage of fire extinguishers on public service vehicles are contained in Regulation 2 of the Public Service Vehicles (Equipment and Use) Regulations, 1941 (S.R.& O. 1941 No. 643). These Regulations were made by the Minister of Transport and require that extinguishers shall comply with the requirements of 317W the Fire Officers Committee. This requirement was first imposed in 1931 after consultation with all the interests concerned. I am making inquiries to ascertain whether any amendment is now desirable in the light of recent experience and developments.