§ Mr. Mahonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of outbreaks of fire affecting industrial premises and ships in the Bootle and Seaforth areas since 31st December, 1950; and the total amount of loss sustained.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI am informed that from 1st January, 1951, to 26th March, 1956, there were 356 calls to such218W fires, of which 76 were to ships, 97 to docks, and 183 to industrial premises. I have no means of assessing the amount of loss.
§ Mr. Mahonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the public concern at the rate of increase in industrial fires since September, 1955, in the Merseyside area; and if he will make a statement as to the amount of loss sustained in the outbreaks from this date.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThere are indications of a recent increase in such fires, but the proportion which they bear to the total number of fires in the area is not increasing. I have no means of assessing the amount of loss.
§ Mr. Mahonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the present arrangements for cooperation in fire prevention on board ships in docks on Merseyside and in factories, timber yards, and other industrial premises in the area; and if he will consider these arrangements with a view to effecting an improvement by bringing about a closer liaison for fire prevention between dock board authorities, ship owners, industrialists, and local authorities in the area.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeUnder the Fire Services Act, 1947, it is the duty of the local fire authorities to secure efficient arrangements for the giving, when requested, of advice about fire prevention, and about restricting the spread of fires. I have no reason to suppose that the fire authorities in the area are not carrying out this duty efficiently, and I am advised that their arrangements for liaison with other authorities are good.