§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she can give an assurance that all schools have regular or frequent fire drills; if she will give details as to the frequency of such drills; and what guidance she has issued to education authorities in this matter.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonLocal education authorities are responsible for fire safety in educational buildings, and they are advised by my Department that fire drills in schools should be held at least once a year. My Department does not collect information about the number of fire drills held in schools. Detailed guidance about all aspects of fire safety is given in DES Building Bulletin 7, and advice was recently offered in connection with the threatened industrial action in the Fire Service.