HC Deb 17 October 1940 vol 365 c811
40. Mr. Brooke

asked the Home Secretary whether a cumulative record is kept of every occasion when bomb or machine-gun attack takes place on any part of the London area before, or simultaneously with, the sounding of the sirens, seeing that continued repetition of this event in any London district is proof that the people of that district are not receiving their fair share of protection from the siren system at present?

Mr. H. Morrison

Records are kept for the whole country of all reports received by my Department of such occurrences. The warning system is kept under constant review in the light of these and other relevant facts, but I am afraid that no system can give a guarantee of a timely warning in every case.

44. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Home Secretary whether arrangements are made whereby substitutes are provided for persons in charge of sirens who may fail to carry out their duties for reasons over which they have no control?

Mr. Morrison

The authority responsible for the sounding of public warning signals is also responsible for ensuring that the warning messages, on which action is taken, can be received at any time throughout the 24 hours.