§ 40. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to prevent any repetition of the fact that many firms had neglected their legal obligations under the Fire Watchers Order; what supervision there was of night fire watchers; whether it is intended to provide fire watchers with steel helmets and other necessary equipment as soon as possible; and whether he will make a statement on this matter?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)New Defence Regulations and Orders have been made to extend and strengthen defence against fire bombs. The Fire Watchers Order placed the responsibility for the immediate supervision of fire watchers on the occupier and the responsibility for seeing that the Order was observed on the local authority. Arrangements have already been made for greatly increased supplies of helmets and other equipment to be available very soon. My right hon. Friend would prefer to wait until there has been time to see how the new arrangements work before making any detailed statement.
§ Mr. SmithThere are several urgent matters arising out of this Fire Watchers Order, and therefore I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.