§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the measures being taken to eliminate fire risks in hospitals in the Portsmouth Group Hospital Management Committee.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Wessex Regional Hospital Board has allocated additional capital for this purpose. The most urgent work will be completed in this financial year, and the management committee hopes to complete next year the work remaining.
Urgent action is being taken on the smoke and fire protection of escape routes, the provision of additional means of escape where necessary, and on the installation of efficient fire alarm systems. An area fire officer has been appointed for the Portsmouth group to advise on fire safety generally and to assist hospitals in maintaining a high standard of staff training in fire precautions.