HC Deb 24 June 1980 vol 987 c75W
9. Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he proposes to take on the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive's report on the fire and explosions at River Road, Barking, published on 4 June.

Mr. Mayhew

Guidance on the storage of sodium chlorate which is to be published later in the year will reflect the lessons learned from this incident. The Health and Safety Executive is discussing with the Chemical Industries Association the segregation of chemicals during storage and are discussing with the Home Office making information available to fire authorities. Health and safety inspectors have been instructed to draw the attention of appropriate firms to precautions necessary for the storage of liquefied petroleum gas and the need to draw up emergency plans in consultation with the emergency services. The criteria on which fire brigades decide to evacuate premises are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.