§ 40. Mr. Simmondsasked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that there is clear understanding on the part of the police and the Civil Defence services as to the nature and volume of light permissible to rescue parties at night during air-raid and all-clear periods, respectively?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI have no information which suggests that further guidance to the police and Civil Defence services in this matter is required, and no cases of difficulty under the existing procedure have been brought to my notice. I should, however, be happy to consider the matter further in the light of any information which my hon. Friend may be in a position to give me.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs my right hon. Friend not aware that in several incidents in the Metropolitan area, where rescue parties have been working with permissible lights, residents nearby have pressed the police to take action, the police have done so and rescue work has stopped, thereby possibly preventing the rescue of some who would otherwise have been saved, and does he not think that it is a matter which requires general clarification?
§ Mr. MorrisonSo far as is necessary, we maintain consultation with the police and the Civil Defence authorities to give them general guidance, but if you tied this matter up with the most meticulous degree of regulations, you would get into the realm of red tape in which nobody knows quite what to do. On the whole, it is. better settled on the spot between the police and the Civil Defence people.