§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the powers of the London Fire Brigade to inspect(a) the Tower of London, (b) Hampton Court and (c) Buckingham palace; when was the last inspection in each case; and if copies of each such inspection will be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. BrookeAs these are Crown properties, the London Fire Brigade has no power to inspect them. The properties are nevertheless required to comply with the provisions of the Fire Precautions Act 1971, with certification as appropriate by the Home Office fire service inspectorate.
The management of each of these properties consults the London Fire Brigade on specific issues. The fire brigade undertakes joint exercises in each property and makes familiarisation visits several times a year.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he has taken this year to safeguard visitors to the White Tower at the Tower of London and to maximise precautions against fire.
§ Mr. BrookeFollowing the fire at Windsor in November, I set up an inquiry under Sir Alan Bailey to review fire precautions in the royal palaces, including the Tower of London.
I have asked the Master of the Armouries to write to the hon. Member about measures specific to the White Tower, for which the Royal Armouries has responsibility.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of Stale for National Heritage what action he has taken since April 1992 to examine fire precautions and the safety of visitors at Hampton Court palace.
§ Mr. BrookeFollowing the fire at Windsor in November, I set up an inquiry under Sir Alan Bailey to review fire precautions in the royal palaces, including Hampton. Court palace.
I have asked the chief executive of the Historic Royal Palaces Agency to write to the hon. Member about measures specific to Hampton Court palace, for which the agency has responsibility.