HC Deb 26 November 1974 vol 882 cc123-4W
Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what penalties apply for failure by proprietors of hotels and boarding houses to secure certificates under the Fire Precautions Act; and how many prosecutions there have been.

Dr. Summerskill

The penalties prescribed in Section 7 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 for offences concerning the operation of premises for a designated use in the absence of a fire certificate are:

  1. (a) on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding £400;
  2. (b) on conviction on indictment, an unlimited fine or up to two years' imprisonment, or both.

In England and Wales, there was one prosecution in 1972 and 26 in 1973 for offences under this section.

Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has regarding increases in staffing facilities available to the fire services for implementing the Fire Precautions Act, particularly with regard to the issuing of certificates to hotel and boarding houses.

Dr. Summerskill

The deployment of staff to enforce the Fire Precautions Act 1971 is a matter for fire authorities.