HC Deb 03 April 1969 vol 781 cc151-2W
34. Sir B. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department will issue casualty figures of fire deaths quarterly instead of annually; and if he will at the same time issue general warnings to the public on how such fire hazards can be avoided, especially those from the use of portable heaters.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Publication of quarterly figures began last month. The Home Office has a continuing programme of publicity and education designed to warn the public against the danger of fire and to help them to observe basic fire precautions, especially in the home.

Mr. Tinn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for seeking to give local authorities greater control regarding fire precautions over premises used as overnight accommodation by road transport drivers.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

My right hon. Friend has it in mind to introduce new legislation, when Parliamentary time permits, designed to strengthen and rationalise the law relating to fire precautions in certain residential establishments and places of public resort, and the particular premises referred to by my hon. Friend would be covered by such a measure. My right hon. Friend contemplates that enforcement would be a matter for the fire authorities.