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(e) We recommend that a staff of qualified inspectors be added to the strength of the Fire Brigade, so that the regulations for the storage of dangerous goods and cinematograph film may be adequately enforced.
(f) We recommend that fire insurance companies should voluntarily agree to refuse insurance cover on "extra-hazardous" goods stored in build- ings partially used or connected with domestic premises. We do not consider that a legal requirement to this effect is justified.
(g) We recommend that a committee of qualified persons be appointed to consider whether, if our proposals for registration of all godowns is accepted, the Chief Officer should be empowered to make it a condition of registration that major alterations in structure should be carried out by the owners.
(h) We recommend that the Fire Brigade, the General Chambers of Com- merce and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce should co-operate in promulgating measures for safety in storage and the legal requirements which are designed to secure safety of life and property.
(i) We recommend that consideration be given to providing the Fire
Brigade with additional 100' turntable ladders.
Conclusion:
102. During the course of our inquiry it became clear that in addition to his concern with the extinction of fires, the Chief Officer has considerable responsibility in the administration of the laws designed to prevent their occurrence and the safety of persons handling dangerous goods. We suggest that a Fire Advisory Board, on which might be represented the Urban Council, the Marine Department, the Public Works Department, the Chambers of Commerce and the Fire Insurance Association would be of great assistance to the Chief Officer in matters of policy and administra- tion connected with fire prevention and the composition of the Fire Brigade.
James Reynolds
Norman Oswald Cyril Marsh
Kwok Chan
Arthur Evelyn Lissaman
Lo Min Nung
T. D. Sorby..
(J. Reynolds), Chairman.
(N. O. C. Marsh)
(Kwok Chan)
(A. E. Lissaman)
(M. N. Lo)
Members.
(T. D. Sorby), Secretary.
30th December, 1948.