HC Deb 07 February 1973 vol 850 cc135-6W
Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories are satisfied with the fire fighting facilities, means of escape and fire alarm system in the Palace of Westminster;

(2) what, if any, recommendations have been made by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories for the improvement of fire-fighting facilities, means of

many of these prosecutions alleged offences under the Non-Ferrous Metals (Melting and Founding) Regulations 1962 and the Iron and Steel Foundries Regulations 1953.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Following is the information for 1972. I regret that figures for foundries registered on 31st December 1962 are not available.

escape and fire alarm system in the Palace of Westminster; and what action has been taken.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Detailed recommendations relating to fire-fighting facilities, means of escape and a fire alarm system have been made by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories relating to hose parts of the Palace of Westminster which are subject to the provisions of the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.

Adequate portable fire-fighting equipment is now provided and maintained, and a replacement programme for hose reel units is nearing completion.

Statutory certificates on the means of escape in case of fire have been issued covering most parts and the certificate for the one outstanding part will be issued when minor additional work ins been completed.

Agreement has been reached between my Department and the Department of the Environment on a comprehensive fire alarm system for the whole of the Palace of Westminster. This is now in the course of installation.

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