HC Deb 22 December 1938 vol 342 cc3063-7
16. Sir John Mellor

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government propose to take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to secure that persons who improperly dispose of, or lose, or damage gas masks, which are public property, shall become liable to a penalty?

The Lord Privy Seal (Sir John Anderson)

This point has not been overlooked: it has been noted for consideration in connection with forthcoming legislation.

Sir J. Mellor

In view of the fact that these gas masks were provided at the expense of the taxpayer and that it is well known that damage is being frequently done to them, would it not be better if the right hon. Gentleman announced now that he will introduce legislation which will secure that these gas masks are public property and that those who damage them will be punished, and also that he will make that legislation retrospective?

Mr. Gibson

What is the relative cost of gas masks and suitable containers?

Sir J. Anderson

I cannot say.

18. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can expedite the payment of grants for air-raid precautions work in regard to which local authorities have already made applications?

Sir J. Anderson

One thousand four hundred and thirty-five claims in respect of the current year have been received, and in 1,390 of these cases a payment of grant on account has already been made. There have also been received recently 292 claims in respect of the period prior to the current financial year. These claims require examination by the auditor, and this examination is being completed as rapidly as possible. Most of the latter claims are for small amounts.

Mr. Stewart

Does that satisfactory answer represent the position in Scotland, where one understands the bulk of the authorities have so far received nothing?

Sir J. Anderson

It seems to be an extraordinary fact that Scotland has been backward in making application. So far as Fife is concerned the applications, both in respect of the current financial year and the last financial year, were received only last month.

19. Mr. Stewart

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is his intention to consult with local authorities before formulating complete schemes of evacuation, whether he proposes to meet separately the local authorities of Scotland; and whether, in order to co-ordinate and expedite efforts in air-raid precautions work, he will consider creating a separate office in Scotland which can act for his Department in all matters, including finance?

Sir J. Anderson

Together with the Minister of Health and the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland I have already had a preliminary discussion with the associations of local authorities. Schemes of evacuation in Scotland are being worked out by the Department of Health for Scotland in consultation with the appropriate authorities. As regards the third part of the question an office of the Air-Raid Precautions Department is to be opened in Edinburgh early in the New Year. This office will be in the charge of a responsible administrative officer who will act on behalf of the Department, subject to general supervision from Headquarters on all matters arising on general air-raid precautions in the schemes of local-authorities in Scotland.

Mr. Stewart

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that announcement will give great satisfaction to Scotland?

20. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal the number of public bomb-proof shelters that have been constructed in the United Kingdom, and the approximate number of persons to be accommodated therein, specifying separately the position in respect of the county of London area?

Sir J. Anderson

So far as I am aware, no public shelter which could truthfully be described as bomb-proof has been specially constructed.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the fact that the Air Raid Precautions Act has been in operation for 12 months, does not the Minister consider this to be a very unsatisfactory state of affairs in relation to civilian defence?

Sir J. Anderson

Perhaps I might remind the hon. Gentleman that I have not been in operation myself for that period. I was asked for the fact, and I have given it.

Mr. Paling

In view of the inadequacy of the trenches and such surface shelters as have been made, and the proof in Spain of the adequacy of deep bombproof shelters, will the right hon. Gentleman give his early attention to their provision in this country?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think I can add anything to what I said yesterday.

Mr. Duncan

In order to relieve the pressure upon the local authorities for public bomb-proof shelters, will my right hon. Friend make one point clear in regard to private shelters, namely, that in every household where there are domestic servants the obligation is on the employer to find proper shelter for his staff?

Sir J. Anderson

I thought I made it clear yesterday that with regard to people in employment and their protection at their places of employment, the responsibility rests primarily on the employers. I did not intend to draw any distinction between one class of employer and another.

Mr. Shinwell

In cases where the private employer refuses to accept responsibility, what action does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take?

Sir J. Anderson

I said yesterday that the Government propose to deal with that matter in legislation to be introduced immediately after the Recess. We hope that employers will not wait for such legislation before proceeding to discharge their obligations in this matter.

21. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Lord Privy Seal the total numbers of persons now enrolled in each of the various air-raid precautions and auxiliary services; and what are the full numbers for each service at which he is aiming in the national voluntary service campaign?

Sir J. Anderson

As the answer involves a number of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Air Raid Precautions and related Services.
Service. Recruited. Approximate Approved Strength.
1 Air Raid Precautions. Wardens 413,045 men 420,000
96,058 women 100,000
First Aid Services. 120,876 men 140,000
222,190 women 220,000
Rescue and Decontamination Parties. 113,800 men 100,000
Miscellaneous Services. 82,536 men 50,000
51,267 women 30,000
The above figures take no account of reserves to be recruited to a number yet finally determined.
2. Auxiliary Fire Service. 105,000 (approximate). 265,000 men.
50,000 women.
3. Police Reserves (Approximate figure only). 150,000 200,000

22. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that Mr. Albert Stony, air-raid precautions officer, of the Ipswich Corporation electricity supply and transport departments, was sent by the corporation for anti-gas training at the civilian training centre, Easingwold, and on 26th August last, whilst wearing heavy decontamination clothing in the course of an anti-gas exercise, collapsed and died; that the cause of death was certified to be heart failure attributable to over-exertion; that there survives a widow and two children who were wholly dependent upon the deceased; that adequate compensation has not been paid; and whether any and what action will be taken in this case to give effect to the repeated declarations that adequate compensation will be provided in respect of death or injury to members of public air-raid precautions services undergoing peace-time training?

Sir J. Anderson

I have obtained information about this case. Mr. Stony, while undergoing a course of practical training and exerting himself with great energy, collapsed and, despite the attention immediately given, failed to rally and died shortly afterwards. Every sympathy must be felt for his family, and in view of the exceptional circumstances of the case I am anxious that, in addition to the grant which has—I understand—already been made by the local authority, there shall also be a suitable grant from the Exchequer. An announcement of the amount will be communicated without delay.