§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it is his policy that when public funds are involved in the construction of any building to which the public have access in Northern Ireland that the advice of the fire service be sought and accepted.
§ Mr. Butler[pursuant to his reply, 7 March 1984, c. 640]: Advice from the fire survey officers of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, or from the Health and Safety Inspectorate of the Department of Economic Development, is sought and accepted on fire safety in the construction of central Government buildings. With regard to buildings outside central Government, Departments actively encourage consultation with the Health and Safety Inspectorate of the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland.
Under the Fire Services Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 (as amended) the fire authority has a duty to inspect certain premises, and to give advice on fire prevention when requested. The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 imposes duties on employers and others to ensure satisfactory standards; it extends to all places of work and to persons other than employees. Its provisions are enforced by the health and safety inspectorate which maintains close liaison with the fire authority.