§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fires have occurred during each of the last three years; what percentage occurred in private houses; what was the main cause of the fires; and if he will consider instituting some campaign to make the public take greater care.
§ Mr. de FreitasThe number of fires attended by local authorities' fire brigades in England and Wales (excluding chimney fires) was 57,000 in 1948, 93,000 in 1949, and 63,000 last year. About one out of five occurred in private houses. Fires spreading from open grates were the main cause. A fire prevention exhibition is about to begin a tour of the provinces and a short fire prevention film is being released this month.