§ 18. Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the presentation of mock air raids and air-raid precaution displays in conjunction with carnivals and similar functions; and whether, in view of the undesirability of staging air-raid precaution demonstrations in circumstances likely to divert public attention from the serious nature of air-raid precautions, he will advise air-raid precaution committees to avoid such methods?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)My right hon. Friend is aware that air-raid precautions displays have been staged at public functions of various kinds. If a local authority thinks it desirable to bring home the need for air-raid precautions in this way, my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in advising that advantage should not be taken of such opportunities.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that these air-raid precautions demonstrations are carried out in an atmosphere of hilarity and frivolity, despite their significance?
§ Mr. LloydI think that the local authorities are very good judges of the reactions of their own people.