Vol. 399 No. 8
36 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the child death rate from fires in this country is 70 per cent higher than in England and Wales; her views on whether her Department's Circular No. 18/81 should be broadened in order to improve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Circular 18/81, which was issued to all first and second level schools in August 1981, sets out comprehensive guidelines for schools regarding routine fire precautions, checks of premises to be carried out after school hours, instructions in the event of fire and specimen fire notices for display in schools. The circular emphasises the need for regular fire drills and gives detailed instructions as to the evacuation procedures to be carried out.
The making of regulations under the Fire Services Act is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, who, I am aware, launched last year a code of practice for fire safety in places of public assembly.
