§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the number of deaths and serious injuries in Scotland as a result of domestic fires since 1980.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonFigures for serious injuries are not available. The available figures are as follows:
Casualties Year Fatal Non-fatal 1980 122 712 1981 126 862 1982 126 863 1983 136 1,126 1984 128 1,290 1985 144 1,276 1986 132 1,499 1987 138 1,372 1988 146 1,591 1989 88 1,605 1990 115 1,624 1991 117 1,696 11992 82 1,614 1 Provisional figures Source: Home Office Fire Statistics based on reports from local authority fire brigades
There has been an encouraging decrease in the number of fatalities since 1989, which may be due to a combination of factors, including implementation of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988—and subsequent amendment regulations—and the active promotion of smoke alarms. While there has in contrast been an increase in non-fatal casualties, this may be connected with a growing awareness amongst fire brigades of the effects of gas and smoke inhalation and a consequent increase in casualty recording.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Scottish Office's involvement in the recent consultation by the Department of Trade and Industry into relaxation of the Furniture and Furnishings Fire (Safety) Regulations 1988 and the Night Wear Safety Regulations 1985; and whether his Department favours the relaxation of these regulations.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe initial consultation undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry was restricted to individual companies, trade associations and other organisations—including local authority associations, and consumer and safety groups—which that Department considered might have an interest in the provisions of the particular regulations. Other Government Departments were not invited to comment at that stage. If any proposals emerge, as a result of the initial consultation, for the provisions of the regulations to be amended, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will be formally consulted because of his responsibilities for fire safety matters in Scotland.