§ 73. Mr. T. COOKasked the Home Secretary what steps the Government propose to take in relation to the recommendations contained in the report of the Departmental Committee on Fire Brigade Services?
§ 76 and 77. Mr. R. C. MORRISONasked the Home Secretary (1) whether he has any statement to make as to the extent of the Exchequer contribution which will be forthcoming to enable effective provisions to be made by the local authorities against fire risks associated with air raids;
(2) whether he has any statement to make upon the recommendation of the 1320 Departmental Committee on Fire Brigade Services of a fire prevention research board to initiate and supervise scientific research into technical questions of fire protection and fire extinction?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)My right hon. Friend has only recently received the report of the Departmental Committee on Fire Brigade Services, which contains many important and far-reaching recommendations. He is giving these his immediate consideration, but regrets that he is not in a position to make any statement to-day.
§ Mr. MORRISONWill the hon. Gentleman represent to his right hon. Friend the urgency of this matter from the point of view of local authorities who are anxious to make up their minds in regard to the future in this connection; and will he do his best to expedite a decision?
§ Mr. MAITLANDBefore any steps are taken, will the hon. Gentleman consider giving the House an opportunity of discussing the matter?