Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Summerland Fire: 50th Anniversary

12 July 2023 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Justin Madders raised concerns about summerland fire: 50th anniversary in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Summerland fire occurred on 2 August 1973.
  • The substitution of decalin for plasterboard contributed significantly to the disaster due to its combustibility.
  • The debate marks the first time the Summerland fire has been discussed in the House of Commons.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

It is our duty in Parliament not to hide from the past but to learn from it. The Summerland fire has never before been the subject of a debate in this House and, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the fire, it is time that changed. I take the House back to 2 August 1973... The failure to consider the properties of materials was not isolated to those in the authorities. The decision to substitute decalin for plasterboard without understanding that it was also combustible, thus giving risk to a combustible void, is described by the inquiry as what may well have been the biggest single structural contribution to the disaster of the fire.

Other contributors (3)
  • Jason McCartney

    I thank the hon. Gentleman for securing this debate. I rise on behalf of my constituent Jackie, who came to tell me what happened to her last year. I had not heard about Summerland before, but she was in Summerland with her mother and her best friend. They both died, but she survived. I know that the hon. Gentleman is going to come on to what we can do now, but, having talked about the fire deficiencies, does he agree that 50 years on we need an apology for those deficiencies? Does he agree that we also need an apology for and recognition of the suffering caused to the survivors? Thirdly, and most importantly, does he agree that we should request that the Isle of Man Government have another review of the death by misadventure verdict?

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way and I congratulate him on bringing forward the debate. As it happens, I was in the Isle of Man last week, as a guest of the President of Tynwald and the Speaker of the House of Keys. One of the official guests was a lady called Ruth McQuillan-Wilson, who has written a number of books about the Summerland fire; she herself was a survivor. I want to put on record a tribute to Ruth, who described the events of the evening to me and the events that have subsequently followed, as the hon. Gentleman has outlined.

  • Mike Freer Con Epping Forest

    Congratulates the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston on securing this important debate about the Summerland fire disaster, describes the horrific incident which occurred in 1973, reiterates that the leisure centre was innovative but constructed with highly combustible materials, details how the fire started and spread uncontrollably leading to the deaths of 50 people, acknowledges the self-governing nature of the Isle of Man and its public inquiry led by a three-man commission which published recommendations for revised theatre regulations and improved fire safety standards in May 1974. Also mentions planned commemorations on the 50th anniversary including a national service of remembrance and online exhibitions hosted by Culture Vannin and Manx National Heritage.

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