§ 50. Mr. Duncanasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can make a statement on the progress of the organisation of air-raid wardens in London under the police?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have been asked to reply. After careful consideration of the representations made by the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee and by representatives of the local authorities in the remainder of the Metropolitan Police District my right hon. Friend has decided that the recruitment 2040 and preliminary training of wardens in this area should remain a function of the local authorities, but that their organisation and practical training in time of peace and operations in time of war should be under the control of the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, acting through a principal warden. The local authorities concerned were informed of this decision on Friday last. Mr. Arthur Howard, chief warden of the Westminster Air-Raid Wardens' service, has accepted the post of principal warden, and he will shortly be getting into touch with the local authorities with a view to arranging the details and time of the transfer. In the meantime, in accordance with the request made to them on 24th February, the Metropolitan boroughs have been submitting to Sir Philip Game their proposals for the number and siting of wardens' posts. A number of such proposals has been dealt with and authority given to bring the posts approved to such a stage of preparation as will enable them to be used for exercises and immediately upon the occurrence of an emergency.
§ Mr. DuncanIs a grant available for the equipment of wardens' posts?
§ Mr. MorrisonIn general, I understand that this new arrangement will not affect the incidence of cost as between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the local authorities.
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill Mr. Howard give the whole of his services to the work of organisation, or is it a part-time job?
§ Mr. MorrisonI would like notice of that, but I understand Mr. Howard gives his services without remuneration.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Minister not aware that the Metropolitan Police area extends beyond the London County Council area, and, that being so, does he not think it would be advisable to consult all the authorities within the Metropolitan Police area?
§ Mr. MorrisonI understand that further consultation is taking place, but I will put the point to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MabaneIs my right hon. Friend's statement that Mr. Howard would serve without remuneration intended to convey the impression that this is a voluntary appointment?
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not mean it to convey anything more than it says.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that Mr. Howard has an early opportunity of meeting the chairmen of the air-raid committees in the Metropolitan Police area, in order that they may exchange views?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonYes, Sir, I will consider that suggestion.
§ 51. Mr. Tinkerasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that on Friday night, 31st March, and Saturday morning, 1st April, there is to be a black-out in South-West Lancashire; that in this area there are a number of burning pit-heaps; and will he have the reports of the black-out examined to see what effect the burning heaps have on the surroundings?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe primary object of the black-out in South-West Lancashire is to test the application of lighting restrictions to docks, but the opportunity will be taken to observe, so far as possible, the effect produced by any burning pit-heaps in the black-out area.
§ Mr. TinkerIf it is found that the glare from these pit-heaps is a danger, will steps be taken to deal with them?
§ Mr. MorrisonOn the information received appropriate action will be taken where possible.