§ 24. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many livestock were lost in farm fires in 1977; and what representations he has received on this problem.
§ Mr. StrangFire statistics are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who advises that this information is not available.
My right hon. Friend the Minister has received representations from several 256W Members and the general public that, in order to reduce the risk to livestock from farm fires, the use of fire-resistant materials in the construction of livestock buildings and the installation of fire-warning systems in such buildings should be made compulsory. At his request, the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is reviewing the need for mandatory regulations in this field, and he will consider its findings.