§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the subject of the compulsory installation of smoke alarms as a condition of the award of improvement grants for properties; and what plans he has to include the compulsory installation of smoke alarms by statutory instrument under the terms of section 244(8) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 1 November 1993]: Letters have been received from Ettrick and Lauderdale district council and from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. Installation of smoke alarms as a condition of improvement grant would require legislation. The grant system is currently being reviewed by a working group on which local authorities are represented. It will be considering this issue along with other possible changes and will make recommendations next year.