§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will issue a circular to local authorities to encourage them to introduce smoke alarms into homes for elderly people;
(2) whether he will introduce legislation to require local authorities to install smoke alarms in all local authority and housing association homes occupied by pensioners.
§ Mr. BaldryMy Department has no plans to do so, but building regulations now call for the installation of smoke detectors in new dwellings, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health is responsible for legislation on types of accommodation for elderly people which, among other things, provides for fire precautions.
§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much his Department has expended on the promotion or installation of smoke alarms in homes for elderly people in each of the last five years for which records are available.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI have been asked to reply.
Since 1987 the Home Office has conducted a regional and national television advertising campaign promoting smoke alarms. The campaign has sought to increase ownership among all households in England and Wales. In 1990–91 and 1991–92 the Home Office targeted its national television advertising campaign primarily at elderly people.
Four million copies of leaflets promoting smoke alarms have been issued by the Home Office. In addition, a leaflet and video promoting general fire safety for elderly people also encourage the installation of smoke alarms.
Costs cannot be apportioned to specific target groups.
There is legislation in place in respect of types of accommodation housing elderly people which, among other things, makes provision for fire precautions. Such legislation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.