§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she is aware of the danger to life resulting from many fires being caused in factories and other places of employment; and whether she will seek to require industrialists to initiate a periodical system of fire drills in all establishments employing above a nominal number of workers on a similar basis to that now operating in military establishments and schools.
§ Mr. FernyhoughUnder both the Factories Act, 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, occupiers of premises identified by reference 185W to certain criteria, which include numbers employed, already have a obligation to take effective steps to ensure that their workers are familiar with the means of escape in case of fire, and with the routine to be followed in such circumstances.
The Factory Inspectorate issues a leaflet on fire drills and I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.