§ Mrs. McLaughlinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the number of burning accidents in the home caused by clothing coming into contact with unguarded fires, the Government are now prepared to sponsor a national campaign of public education in the prevention of these accidents.
115W
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI share my hon. Friend's concern at the extent of this problem, and I believe that the biggest single contribution to its solution at the present time lies in persuading householders and other responsible persons to provide and use efficient fireguards. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have therefore decided, with the support of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, to launch a "Guard that Fire" campaign next November. Circulars have been sent today to local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland inviting them to cooperate by organising local campaigns on this theme and I am arranging for special publicity material to be prepared for their use. I hope that the Press, sound and television broadcasting authorities, voluntary organisations, industries and traders will be prepared to support this national effort.