§ Mr. MuddTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has estimated the number of caravans needing to be brought up to current safety standards; what assessment he has made of the availability of sufficient expertise to complete this task by 29 February 1992; if he has estimated the cost of attention and certification likely to fall upon the holiday parks industry; if he is willing to consider financial aid to those unable to meet the cost; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. LilleyI welcome the constructive attitude taken by the National Caravan Council and the British Holiday and Home Parks Association on this matter of improving caravan safety following the tragic fatalities earlier this year. All parties involved have demonstrated that the first consideration must be the safety of caravan occupants.
It has been estimated that there are 300,000 caravans distributed over 300 sites. Of these, it is thought that nearly all will need modification to bring them up to the current safety standards for water heater flues. I welcome the speed with which the industry has organised training courses to ensure that there are enough competent people to complete the work by the start of the next holiday season. It is expected that most modifications will be made by the site staff in the closed season, with the average cost for the parts to complete the work expected to be approximately £15 per caravan.