§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the fire at 33 Devizes Close, Belle Vale, Liverpool 25, on 23rd 714W January 1977 which resulted in loss of life; what was the cause of the fire; and how long it took for fire appliances to arrive after they were alerted and were confused by inadequate street signs.
§ Dr. SummerskillAt 09.08 hours on 23rd January the Merseyside Fire Brigade received a call to premises described as 21 Devizes Walk. I understand that the brigade had no difficulty in locating the fire, which was at nearby premises, 33 Devizes Close. This is a two-story maisonette of brick construction in a terrace situated in an area of category C fire risk which, in accordance with recommended standards of fire cover, requires the attendance of one fire appliance within eight to 10 minutes. The appliance from the Belle Vale fire station was in attendance within two minutes of the time of call and a second pump from the Mather Avenue fire station within seven minutes. Five children were rescued by the brigade. I am sorry to say that one child was found to be dead on arrival at hospital and another died on 25th January. Three members of the brigade suffered injuries, one of whom was detained in hospital. The cause of the fire is being investigated.