§ 52. Colonel Nathanasked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to ensure the immediate and adequate repair of roads in the event of their being damaged by air raids?
§ Mr. BurginLocal authorities, who are primarily responsible for the repair of roads, have been advised that this is one of the matters which should receive attention in their air-raid precautions schemes. The engineering staff of my Department will assist in case of need.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to issue a letter to public utility companies and to passenger transport authorities, so that they can, without any further delay, co-operate with local air-raid precautions committees in drafting their schemes?
§ Mr. BurginThere is much co-operation already. I am not sure whether any instruction from me is required. The matter is primarily under the Home Office, as the hon. Member knows, but I do not think that there is any cause for misgiving as to the extent of mutual co-operation.
§ Colonel NathanCan the right hon. Gentleman say how the official responsibility in this matter is divided between the Home Office and the Ministry of Transport?
§ Mr. BurginI think the prime responsibility for air-raid precautions must necessarily be a matter for the Home Office. I have no doubt that there is the closest co-operation with the public utilities to be protected, and that is a matter which primarily falls under my Department. There is the closest working co-operation, and I do not think that the hon. and gallant Member need be concerned on that side of the matter.