§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied that British citizens as holidaymakers are no longer in danger from faulty gas heaters in Portuguese holiday resorts.
§ Mr. WhitneyIt is exacted that new legislation brought into effect by the Portuguese authorities on 1 November 1983 to strengthen the existing safety measures relating to gaseous fuels will assist in preventing further fatalities. A system of inspection and safety certification has been introduced. Proprietors and managers of tourist holiday accommodation let for two months or less will now be legally responsible and liable for the safety of gas appliances in that accommodation. For lettings of more than two months the lessee and landlord will be jointly responsible and liable. But since no system of safety control is infalible, continued vigilance by tour operators and private individuals will still be required.