§ 36. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that within the last nine months upwards of thirty-five fires have occurred in various parts of the country at docks, stores, camps, and in factories engaged upon Government work; if any special inquiry has been instituted by the Home Office or other Government Department into the origin and significance of these outbreaks; and if he can state the results of such investigation?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have not got separate figures for factories engaged on Government work, but the returns which I have received from factory inspectors throughout the country show that the number of fires which have occurred since the outbreak of war in factories, docks and ware-rouses generally is not in excess of the normal, and in a number of districts is below the normal. In view of the exceptional conditions under which work is being carried on in a great number of works, these figures cannot be regarded as unsatisfactory. As regards fires in camps, I am informed by the War Office that all such fires have been investigated, and that in no case was there any evidence of incendiarism.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEDoes the Home Office inquire personally into the origin of those fires, or is the inquiry left to the local police?
§ Sir J. SIMONIn any case where there is any cause to suspect an incendiary 662 origin arrangements are being made for the best and most skilled inquiry to be made in connection with headquarters.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIs there any objection to making public detailed information as to the number of fires which have taken place in similar areas during the corresponding period last year?
§ Sir J. SIMONI will consider it.