HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1671-3
15. MR. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a brochure giving detailed recommendations, as to the reconstruction and improvement of air-raid protection services in areas which have not yet been heavily bombed, based upon the practical experience gained in areas which have?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)

To issue a brochure as suggested by my hon. Friend would not be a convenient way of achieving the object he has in mind. Fresh experience is gathered continually, and as soon as new lessons are learned the information is circulated to Regional and Local Authorities. In addition, the Inspector-General and his staff are in continual and close touch alike with raided areas and with areas not yet heavily raided, and are able by personal contact and effort to secure a development of the organisation of Civil Defence to meet the conditions likely to be created by current forms of attack.

Mr. Adams

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his Reply, it is a fact that in the North of England, the reconstruction of shelters—

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

It is Question Time now.

Mr. Adams

May I complete my supplementary?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

The hon. Member is not entitled to make a statement. If he wishes to ask a Supplementary Question, he may.

Mr. Adams

Has the hon. Gentleman taken cognisance of what prevails in the North of England in the areas which have not been bombed? They are much behind the times as compared with those which have been bombed.

23. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in some areas a small minority of householders are refusing to place sand or water outside their premises, thereby endangering their neighbours and causing discontent amongst the fire patrol volunteers; and whether he proposes to give local authorities power to enforce these precautions?

Mr. Mabane

While my right hon. Friend is aware that sand and water are not in all cases being placed outside their premises by householders, no instances of deliberate refusal to do so, in cases where it seems necessary, have been brought to his notice. I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of such cases. My right hon. Friend would, however, prefer to rely upon an increasing measure of voluntary co-operation among the small minority described rather than to resort to compulsion in this matter at present. It may not always be practicable to adopt the precautions suggested.

Mr. Morrison

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that one person in a street can disturb the harmony and efficiency of the whole street fire-service by being awkward, and that no one has any authority to take any steps to make such a person fall into line?