HC Deb 03 June 1938 vol 336 cc2414-5
13. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the mobile instructional units for training the staff in air-raid precautions matters, recently introduced by the London and North Eastern Railway Company; and will he consider establishing similar motor travelling units, which would be of great educational benefit for the purpose of instructing in these matters people residing in the provinces or nearby thickly populated areas?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

Yes, Sir; officers of my Department have seen these railway units, which afford a very practical method of training a dispersed staff. At least one local authority, in carrying out their duty of training air raid personnel and the public, is using a mobile road unit.

Mr. Day

Is not the Minister of the opinion that this is an excellent idea to educate persons who are backward in carrying out Home Office instructions?

Mr. Lloyd

It is for the local authorities to decide, and I have no doubt they will use the best method.

Mr. Day

Does not the Minister think that this should be a national unity?

Mr. Lloyd

No, each case comes under the Air Raid Precautions Act.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it not a fact that local authorities do not really know what the Home Office instructions are because there are so many of them sent?

Mr. Lloyd

No, Sir. It is owing to the complicated nature of a task of this kind that so many circulars are sent.