HC Deb 14 February 1918 vol 103 cc256-7
29. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, owing to the probability of an increasing number of air raids on London and to the services of special police constables being more often required in the future in dangerous areas, he can at once arrange that all constables required for street duty during air raids shall be supplied with steel protection helmets in order that these men, who give their services free, shall run no unnecessary risks?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir George Cave)

Arrangements are being made to reduce the number of special constables assembling on an emergency call, and to increase the supply of steel helmets, and I am informed that helmets will be available for all special constables employed on street duty during air raids.

Mr. P. A. HARRIS

Will they be available for people going from their houses to their duty? They often have to go considerable distances.

Sir G. CAVE

I do not think that is possible or necessary, because they always have notice.

Mr. HARRIS

Not oven in case of air raids?

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to persuade the Government that the only true defence against aeroplane raids is an. air offensive over Germany?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

48. Major HUNT

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the crushing to death of British children by aliens of military age during a recent air raid; and whether it is the policy of the Government to allow civilian aliens of military age to come into this country during the War?

Sir G. CAVE

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. As regards the first part of the question, I am informed that there has been no such occurrence. The persons who were killed and injured owing to overcrowding in an air-raid shelter during a recent air raid were all aliens. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my answer to his question on the 22nd October last.

Major HUNT

Can the right hon. Gentleman not tell us whether it is the policy of the Government to allow more aliens, including Russians, to come into this country and to eat the food of our people?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has already asked the same question.

Major HUNT

I did not get an answer.