HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc189-90
42. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to make known to doctors, wardens and others attached to civil defence the lessons learned from recent air raids; whether he will consider holding regional conferences with medical officers of health and others responsible for area organisation to hear from those with first-hand experience the problems which have actually arisen and how best to deal with them?

Sir J. Anderson

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 20th August to a Question by the Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher). As regards the second part, arrangements already exist for securing the necessary contact with local officials in areas which have had first-hand experience of raids, and in view of the heavy pressure upon these officials at the present time I do not think that I should be justified in asking them to attend at a conference at this juncture.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that doctors and other officials in Scotland are very worried about this question, and allege that they have applied to the Home Office for guidance and that their appeals have not been dealt with, perhaps owing to the reasons of pressure? They are very anxious to know what has been the experience of doctors in handling the casualties in London areas. Is the right hon. Gentleman willing to consider accepting the help of Members of Parliament who are prepared to study the matter and dur- ing the time the House is not sitting, to give their assistance in communicating information to these people?

Sir J. Anderson

I will ask my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to see the hon. Member, to find out what can be done.