HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 cc1248-9
36. Mr. Poole

asked the Home Secretary how many civilian organisers have been appointed as air-raid precaution officers in England and Wales to date?

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

I assume that the hon. Member refers to organisers appointed by local authorities. My information is not at present complete, but I am aware of some 250 appointments as organisers.

Mr. Poole

Are these appointments made from the civil population as opposed to the military population?

Mr. Lloyd

The matter is for the local authority. They decide according to the circumstances.

51. Mr. Short

asked the Home Secretary when the three trailer pumps allocated to Doncaster for air-raid precautions will be delivered?

Mr. Lloyd

On 19th May my right hon. Friend asked the Doncaster Council if they were prepared to take delivery on the usual conditions of the three trailer pumps allocated to Doncaster. No reply has yet been received, but if the council accept this offer, the pumps can be made available towards the end of next month.

Mr. Short

Can the Under-Secretary get into touch with the council, because the chief constable complains that the training of the auxiliary fire brigade is being delayed as a result of non-delivery.

Mr. Lloyd

I think there must be some confusion. If the Doncaster Town Council had replied they would have received the fire engines more quickly.

58. Mr. George Hall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give the percentage of schools in the country where the teaching staffs have received written instructions in connection with the air-raid precautions scheme, and the authority supplying the instructions to the schools?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Lindsay)

I am not certain what the hon. Member has in mind by "written instructions," but f he will communicate with me I shall be glad to supply him with any information at my disposal.