§ LORD SWANSEAasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether their attention has been drawn to the comments of the City of Westminster Coroner on July 17 last, describing "a very disturbing state of affairs" in connection with the deaths of five persons from boiler fumes; whether they consider that sufficient attention is paid in the conversion of old buildings into flats to" the very 1597WA narrow margin indeed between safety and extreme danger in these cokeboilers which are connected with shared flues"; and whether they consider that legislation is necessary to require the inspection of boilers and flues in order to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
§ LORD KENNETIn conversions of old houses into flats the provisions of the London Constructional By-laws, and of the building regulations operative outside inner London, prevent the construction of shared flues, except in special circumstances where this would not cause danger. Local authorities already have powers under Section 93 of the Public Health Act 1936 and Section 26 of the Public Health Act 1961 to take action in respect of leaking flues which might cause danger, and to inspect premises for this purpose. But I am glad to say that the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (in whose area three of the fatalities occurred) also undertook publicity to warn people about this danger. A statement was prepared in consultation with other bodies concerned and issued in August. Wide publicity was given to this statement in the local Press, the technical Press, and through the Coal Utilisation Council, the Institute of Petroleum and Medical Officers of Health. The noble Lord's Question will also help to spread public awareness of this matter. My right honourable friend is keeping the matter under review.