§ Sir Eldon GriffithsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been made in fitting smoke detectors to new caravans as foreshadowed in the statement made by the Under-Secretary of State on 29 June.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 19 December 1988]: I have been informed that the technical committee of the National Caravan Council has established a specification for a smoke detector suitable for operation in the restricted environment of a caravan, and that the manufacturer members, trade members and para members of the council have accepted the undertaking that all new and used caravans sold after 1 May 1989 will be fitted with smoke detectors. This is welcome confirmation of the statement of intent which my predecessor reported to the House on 29 June, and I am happy that the caravan industry is making this important contribution to safety.