HC Deb 23 November 1939 vol 353 cc1381-2
43. Mr. David M. Adams

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that false air-raid warnings are becoming frequent through faulty wires and short-circuiting; and whether he will consider the advisability of other means of warning, other than electricity, so as to prevent such an occurrence which took place at 3 a.m. on the 15th instant at Poplar, causing women and young children to leave their beds to rush out into the darkness and rain to obtain shelter?

Sir J. Anderson

I am aware that electrical faults have given rise to a number of false air-raid warnings, but I hope that the periodical tests which are now to be arranged will make these much less frequent.

Mr. Thorne

Who was responsible for giving the warning to this House the other day?

Sir J. Anderson

Not I.