§ Mr. Mander(by Private Notice): asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement in connection with giving advice to the public regarding incendiary bombs?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)For a number of reasons I have hitherto proceeded on the view that the necessary guidance on the methods of dealing with incendiary bombs, including those which contain an explosive charge, was most suitably given through instruction imparted to the public by the local authorities and the Civil Defence Services. In the main I think this is still right, but in view of the very great increase in the number of fire bomb fighters, both in organised parties and otherwise, I have 20 come to the conclusion that there should be a more widespread development of my Department's general instructional publicity, including publicity on precaution any measures, through the Press and other channels. Local authorities are kept advised of the most up-to-date methods of dealing with incendiary bombs, and the detailed information and practical training, the need for which my hon. Friend will appreciate, will continue to be given under their auspices. I should like to pay my tribute to all those numbering hundreds of thousands who have responded to my appeal for fire bomb fighters and who already have been so successful in thwarting this dangerous form of attack.