HC Deb 11 February 1941 vol 368 cc1217-8
51. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what organisation exists within his Ministry to deal with air-raid precautions?

Mr. Whiteley (Comptroller of the Household)

I have been asked to reply. The Ministry of Works and Buildings is responsible for the provision of shelter accommodation in civil Government buildings and for the supply of firefighting, first-aid and black-out equipment; it provides rescue and clearance, decontamination and demolition and repair parties for all civil Government buildings in London and in certain provincial centres; training in fire-fighting is provided for Government staffs generally in the Ministry's instructional schools. In addition, for the buildings occupied by the Ministry's own staffs, wardens, firefighters and first-aid personnel have been recruited and trained and arrangements for the observance of the Fire Precautions Orders of the Minister of Home Security are being made with all possible speed.

Mr. Simmonds

Is there in the Ministry a professional organisation for dealing with air-raid precautions in the buildings which the Ministry are constructing and will construct?

Mr. Whiteley

I cannot say that offhand, but I will make inquiries.