§ 13. Mr. WILESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that certain voluntary patrol societies have been formed in many parts of London who appear to do a useful work in warning inhabitants who are nervous on the approach of a raid and assisting women and children to the nearest shelters; and, if so, can he make arrangements that the police authorities should give to the recognised representatives of these societies in the various areas immediate information as to the approach of raiders upon application?
§ Sir G. CAVEI am aware of the existence of these societies. The police warning is given to the public as soon as there is reason to believe that London may be attacked, and B am advised that it is not possible to give earlier notice to the representatives of patrol societies.
§ 14. Mr. WILESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the uncertainty as to the kind of warning which will be given in the event of air raids over London owing to different practices being in operation in the various Metropolitan boroughs, he can arrange for a uniform system of warning throughout the whole of London?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe police warnings by sound signals and "Take cover" notices are uniform throughout the Metropolitan Po:ice District. Where other means of warning are used, such as syrens or coloured lights, these have been established not by the police, but by the local authorities. The police are endeavouring to secure uniformity in the colour of the lights so used.
§ Sir G. CAVEIt is very desirable that the authorities should consult the Commissioner of Police before deciding.
§ Major NEWMANWho is responsible for firing off those maroons?
§ Sir G. CAVEThose are the sound warnings which have been so much desired in London.
§ Major NEWMANWho fires them off—the local authorities or the military?
§ Sir G. CAVENeither.
§ Sir G. CAVEI think that they do form a very effective warning, and certainly they have the effect of clearing the streets.
§ 47. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Germans have conducted several important air raids over London, and that their aviators have escaped every time from the London area with little or no loss, steps will be taken by the War 2abinet to overhaul the whole system of London's defences; and whether it will give orders that all officers whose capacity has been found to fall short of the requirements of their position shall be retired, and that this rule shall apply even to those most highly placed?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)The 2abinet are satisfied that everything possible is being done to maintain and improve the efficiency of the London defences.
Mr. LINCHIs not that the same kind of answer that we have had on every occasion for the last three years, and have the authorities any further policy in such matters than that of covering up big reputations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is not the policy of the Government, and I fancy everyone in the House except the hon. Member has been rather surprised at the success of the defence.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask whether, having regard to the view taken of the casualties in London, he will give an assurance that greater regard will be paid to the 4,000 or 5,000 casualties at the front?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWFor once I quite agree with the hon. Member. I think the casualties at the front deserve quite as much sympathy as casualties in London, and both are regarded in the same way by the Government.