§ Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue guidance to all local authorities to fit safety devices on all windows over the second storey in high-rise appartment blocks.
§ Mr. ChannonGuidance on the safety of windows was given by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in Design Bulletin 13—Safety in the home, pages 23 and 24, published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
The design of windows and rooflights in relation to their cleansing and safety is the subject of a code of practice published by the British Standards Institute in 1969 (C.P. 153 Part I 1969). This is intended to provide advice to designers and manufacturers but is not mandatory. The Department generally endorses the recommendation.
I am considering the possibility of commissioning an investigation into the problems encountered in the operation of windows in high rise flats and I will certainly bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.