HC Deb 28 June 1917 vol 95 cc512-3
26. Mr. BROOKES

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the various unofficial arrangements for giving public warning on the occasion of an air raid in London; whether these are permitted; whether in that case there will be any control by the authorities; and whether the Government has as yet arrived at any decision on the subject of an official warning?

Sir G. CAVE

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on Tuesday to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland, and yesterday to the hon. Member for East Herts. The Government has decided that no public warnings are to be given in London.

35. Major NEWMAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the desire that elementary and other schools should be given warning of attacks by enemy aircraft; and will he take, or arrange with the necessary authority to take, the necessary measures to ensure that such warning is given?

Sir G. CAVE

I have no reason to think that such a desire is general, and after consultation with the Board of Education and the Commissioner of Police I am satisfied that it is neither practicable nor desirable to give warnings to elementary schools of possible air raids which many never materialise. The London County Council have already sent out excellent instructions to their schools for use in the event of air raids, and the Board of Education, after consultation with experts, are about to issue general suggestions to education authorities.

36. Major NEWMAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received representations as to the necessity of a special constable being detailed to each elementary or other school to prevent panic and supervise the carrying out of the necessary precautions for the safety of the pupils and staff in the event of a raid by hostile aircraft; and is he in communication with the police authorities on the subject?

Sir G. CAVE

I had not received representations to this effect, but I have communicated with the Commissioner of Police since the question was put down. As there are 2,400 schools in the Metropolitan Police district it would not be practicable to detail a special constable for duty at each in anticipation of a possible air raid, and I have no reason to think that the schools are in need of such assistance.