§ 81. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Supply at what date the city of Coventry Fire Brigade reported to him that any fire in the factory at present used by Jaguars might spread with alarming rapidity owing to the nature of the roof-lining; and what action was taken on that report.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorI have ascertained that on 26th November, 1956, the Coventry Fire Brigade made a comprehensive report to the Jaguar Car Company on the question of fire risks and precautions. The report was not referred to the Ministry of Supply and there was no reason why it should have been.
§ 82. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Supply how many thousands of square feet of soft-board were used by his Department to line the roof of the factory at present used by Jaguars at Coventry; and whether his Department were aware that this soft-board was highly inflammable.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorFive hundred and thirteen thousand square feet of fibre insulating board were used when the factory was built in 1938–39. This material is not in itself highly inflammable, but was one of the factors that contributed to the spread of a fire started elsewhere.