Vol. 180 No. 4
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been directed to a report issued in England regarding the fire hazards in the use of drip-feed oil heaters; and if any investigations have been or will be made by his Department regarding the standards of safety necessary in the manufacture and use of such appliances.
25.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that official investigations recently carried out in Britain have resulted in a strong condemnation on grounds of safety of certain types of portable oil heaters which are widely sold and used in all parts of Ireland; if he will take steps to advise the public of their danger; and if he intends to impose compulsory standards of efficiency and safety on the manufacture of these articles.
With the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 24 and 25 together. I have seen the report of the investigations referred to. I have no power to impose compulsory standards but I am arranging to have the position in relation to the manufacture and use of drip-feed oil heaters examined, in consultation with the trade interests concerned, in the light of the report.
