HC Deb 06 March 1939 vol 344 cc1751-2
58. Mr. Kirby

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that on Wednesday last the City Council of Liverpool failed to approve proposals of the Air-Raid Precautions Committee; that members of all political parties in the council have petitioned the Lord Mayor to summon a special meeting to consider the matter; that the public of Liverpool is seriously disturbed at the lack of progress to date; that the Home Office regional officer has told the Air-Raid Precautions Committee that the city is in the definitely-bad class as regards progress with precautions; and will he inform the House of the actual state of preparations in Liverpool, bearing in mind particularly the great importance of the port in time of war and the vital need for its adequate protection?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the position is generally as stated by the hon. Member; but that, while it is true that progress with air-raid precautions in Liverpool has not hitherto been as great as in many other areas, my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal is hopeful that material progress will be made at an early date, and he is asking his local representative to keep in close touch with the local authority.

Mr. Kirby

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, will he be good enough to ask the Lord Privy Seal to look rather closely into this matter, having regard to the fact that the chief constable recommended an A.R.P. headquarters as far back as May of last year, and that many centres for decontamination and first-aid posts have been closed down?

Mr. Morrison

My right hon. Friend is looking closely into this matter.

Mr. Mabane

Is it not a fact that the Liverpool A.R.P. wardens are about the best in the country?

Mr. Logan

In regard to the farce which is going on in Liverpool, will the right hon. Gentleman kindly make inquiries to see whether underground protection can be given as at present the thing is in absolute disorder in that city? I know, because I am right in the midst of it.

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