§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether the Prison Department is instructed to comply with fire regulations required by local fire authorities;
(2) if prison governors are responsible for ensuring compliance with local tire regulations.
§ Mr. JohnCrown premises, including penal establishments are not at present subject to control under the Building Regulations, 1976, for England and Wales. Premises constituting or forming part of a prison are exempt from the requirement to have a fire certificate under the Fire Precautions Act 1971. Nevertheless, the spirit of these controls is observed. All prison establishments are subject to regular periodic fire prevention inspections by local brigades and there is frequent consultation between the Prison Department and the Home Office Fire Inspectorate.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Prison Parkhurst complies with the safety requirements of the local fire authority.
§ Mr. JohnThe fire precautions at this prison were comprehensively surveyed by the local fire brigade in July 1972, and all the recommendations which resulted were implemented. I am informed that the Chief Officer of the Isle of Wight Fire Brigade visited recently and expressed his satisfaction.