§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions have taken place between his officials and representatives of Convention of Scottish Local Authorities concerning the installation of smoke detectors in homes in(a) the public housing sector and (b) private homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartIn discussions earlier this year with COSLA, and also with Scottish Homes, about the implementation of the health promotion initiatives outlined in "Scotland's Health—A Challenge to Us All", the Chief Medical Officer and officials of the Scottish Office Home and Health Department emphasised the importance of smoke detectors in reducing fatalities from fires and encouraged COSLA and Scottish Homes to continue their efforts to secure the installation of detectors throughout their housing stocks.
Regulations making the fitting of mains-operated smoke alarms compulsory in all new dwellings came into force in Scotland on 23 July 1993.