§ 28. Dr. HOWITTasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the continued drought and the danger to life and property which is likely to arise as the season advances by reason of heath and forest fires, he will circularise local authorities recommending them to organise prevention of and protection from such fires in districts commonly subject to them?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Hutchison) on the 19th instant. The responsibility for fire precautions rests primarily with the local authorities, and the Home Office has no special powers in this matter, but I shall be glad to consider, in consultation with other Departments, whether any action can usefully be taken on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Dr. HOWITTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now 21 years since the Joint Select Committee unanimously recommended that precautions should be taken to prevent these heath fires? Does he not think that it is time action should be taken?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have said in answer to the question that I am looking into the matter and will confer with the other Departments concerned.