HC Deb 02 November 1939 vol 352 c2087
41. Mr. C. Brown

asked the Home Secretary what instructions, and in what form, have been issued since the outbreak of war to county councils and county borough councils to disband or suspend the meetings of air-raid precautions committees?

Sir J. Anderson

No such instructions have been issued by my Department since the outbreak of war, but the hon. Member will be aware that in March last I recommended that, in order to provide machinery to secure immediate action in an emergency, local authorities should appoint emergency committees with powers to act on behalf of the authority in matters of Civil Defence.

Mr. A. Jenkins

Is the Minister aware that certain county councils have indicated that they have received instructions not to hold ordinary meetings? Is that a fact?

Sir J. Anderson

No, Sir, I have not heard that. There has been no desire on the part of my Department to prevent ordinary meetings of county councils being held.