HC Deb 19 June 1974 vol 875 cc166-7W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to encourage the compliance of hotels with the requirements of the Fire Precautions Act 1971.

Dr. Summerskill

The enforcement of the Act is the responsibility of fire authorities, but the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council regularly reviews progress. Guidance is issued as necessary to the fire authorities, and additional courses have been provided centrally at the Fire Service Technical College for brigade officers engaged on fire prevention. I take this opportunity of asking all hotel keepers who have not yet applied for fire certificates to do so without delay.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to offer financial help to hoteliers to comply with the requirements of the Fire Precautions Act 1971.

Dr. Summerskill

A loans scheme, administered by local authorities under the Fire Precautions (Loans) Act 1973, is available to the proprietors of the smaller hotels and boarding houses, who make up the majority of hoteliers.