§ 12. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Home Secretary what instructions have been issued with a view to altering the operation of the Business Premises Fire-watching Order so that it shall no longer be necessary for fire watchers to be provided outside business hours in daylight?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs a purely temporary measure in present circumstances it has been suggested to appropriate authorities that, where the circumstances warrant, they should permit a considerable reduction in the number of persona performing fire-prevention duties at business premises in daylight after working hours. I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to disclose the exact extent of the relaxation suggested.
§ 13. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that considerable hardship is being caused to fire fighters and fire watchers by the fact that they receive no compensation when their clothes are destroyed or damaged in the course of carrying out their duties; and will he consider granting such compensation, or, alternatively, in view of the fact that air-raid precautions personnel are now being provided with serge uniforms, will he consider issuing the overalls which they now wear, or were going to wear, to fire watchers and fire fighters?
§ Mr. MorrisonA certain number of claims has been brought to my notice, and a circular will shortly be despatched to local authorities indicating the arrangements to be made for the payment of compensation for damage done to the clothing of enrolled members of their fire-prevention service while on duty. In common with other members of the public, fire fighters and fire watchers who are not members of a local authority's fire-prevention service may submit claims under the War Damage Act for war damage to clothing, and the Assistance Board are able to make advances and to give immediate help in cases of urgent need.
§ 14. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Home Secretary whether he has any information regarding the appointment of George Alberto Reed by the Red Cross Society to organise fire fighting in their numerous buildings; whether this man is an alien who was fined £ 10 at the Westminster police court for failing to register; and whether he still holds his appointment as organiser of fire fighting?
§ Mr. MorrisonMy information is that this man was at birth a United States citizen. He came to this country as an infant, but as he has never been naturalised he is an alien. I have no information as to the circumstances of the appointment mentioned, which, I understand, has now been terminated.
§ 18. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the announcement of the development of radio telegraphy in relation to enemy air attack is being construed as lessening the need for fire-fighting services; and whether he will make the position clear?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing this point to my notice. I was not aware that any such suggestion was being made, and it is clear that there would be no justification in present circumstances for any relaxation whatever in the measures for dealing with incendiary attacks.