§ Mr. Haywardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to pubish national guidance on means of escape from fire in houses in multiple occupation.
§ Mr. HurdIn conjunction with the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office, my Department has prepared draft guidance setting out a national advisory standard for means of escape from fire and related fire safety measures in certain houses in multiple occupation to aid consultation between housing and fire authorities required under housing legislation. Copies of the draft guide, on which written comments are invited by 11 April 1986 are being sent to the local authority associations and to other interested bodies and individuals. Copies have also been placed in the Library. Further copies can be obtained on request in writing from the Home Office Fire and Emergency Planning Department, Room 916, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AT. Subject to the outcome of the consultation exercise, my right. hon. Friends and I hope to be able to publish the final version of the guide during 1986.