§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will take to ensure that, when advice on fire safety and fire precautions is no longer provided to Departments by the Department of the Environment, all Government Departments will continue to obtain professional advice on these matters.
§ Mr. BaldryIndividual Departments remain responsible for protecting against fire hazards the buildings that they occupy. It is for them to decide on the extent and the source of professional advice for particular buildings. My Department will, however, continue to provide central guidance on fire safety protection standards for Government buildings and on procedures for the management of fire safety.