HL Deb 08 April 1998 vol 588 cc131-2WA
Lord Monkswell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in the development of legislation on fire safety. [HL1477]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

On 28 November, the Government published a consultation document entitledFire Safety Legislation for the Future, copies of which are in the Library. The consultation period closed on 28 February and, between the Home Office and the Scottish Office, we have received around 450 responses.

We have decided to proceed with a thorough overhaul of fire safety legislation along the lines set out in the consultation document. However, some difficult areas, such as Houses of Multiple Occupation and licensed premises, need more detailed discussion and consideration before we can take a decision on them and we will need to tie in with other separate aspects. We will now work up detailed proposals in close co-operation with interested parties. Subject to clear evidence of cost effectiveness of the proposals, we will aim to legislate as early as practicable.

Lord Monkswell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Commission has issued a letter under Article 169 of the Treaty of Rome challenging the United Kingdom's implementation of the general fire safety provisions of the European Framework Directive. [HL1478]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

We can confirm that such a letter has been received from Commissioner Flynn on behalf of the Commission.

To avoid prejudicing any legal proceedings that might result, the detail of the letter and the reply to it must remain confidential between the Commission and Her Majesty's Government. However, we can say that, in broad terms, the Commission's concerns relate to the need to justify the exceptions we have made from the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (among them, one for fire certificated premises). They are also concerned that the duties placed on employers by these regulations should fully reflect the unconditional nature of the responsibilities and obligations imposed on employers by the framework directive.

The Government have decided that they will take the necessary steps to address the Commission's concerns about meeting the terms of the directive in full. Such steps should be consistent with the emerging findings of the recent consultative exercise, Fire Safety Legislation for the Future. The steps would involve making changes to the 1997 regulations. Officials will begin to consult interested parties immediately upon the implications of this and the best way to proceed.