§ Mr. Robert Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what amount of public funds is spent annually on television advertisements to publicise the danger of fire in the home; and if he will step up the campaign in view of increasing loss of life and property.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:In 1969–70 £2,100 was spent on the production of new television films on fire prevention in the home to supplement the films already available. These films are shown free by the B.B.C. and I.T.V. About £19,000 was spent on paid television advertising in an experimental general fire prevention campaign in the North-East of England last autumn. The effectiveness of all the publicity media used in that campaign is being assessed to determine the pattern of future expenditure.
§ Mr. Robert Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what means are used to draw people's 175W attention to the great danger of fire in the home especially where children are living in overcrowded conditions; if he is satisfied as to the steps taken to try to reduce the loss of life among young children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:Publicity on fire prevention in the home is undertaken by the Home Office, fire authorities, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Fire Protection Association and other organisations. The means employed include press advertising, broadcasts on radio and television, the production leaflets, and direct approaches to schools and youth organisations. Much of this publicity stresses the danger to children. The future pattern of national fire prevention publicity will be considered in the light of the results of the experimental fire prevention campaign held in the North-East of England last autumn, and of the report of the Departmental Committee on the Fire Service.