HC Deb 21 May 1941 vol 371 cc1523-4
19. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, in a number of areas in Scotland, four, and in some instances five, Ministers have responsibility for fire-fighting precautions; and whether he will consider instituting a unified direction and control of this aspect of civil defence?

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)

Under the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order, 1941, a number of Departments are responsible for the fire prevention arrangements at the business premises in which they have an interest. Departmental policy at the centre is co-ordinated by the Fire Prevention Executive, on which the Departments principally concerned are represented.

Mr. Mathers

That organisation sounds a little loose, and while I do not want to see the thing have to be tested out in practice, may I ask the Minister whether, if experience shows the necessity for tightening this up by giving more authority, that will be taken into account?

Mr. Westwood

Certainly, Sir.

47. Sir T. Moore

asked the Home Secretary what are the areas in which steps are being taken to enforce the compulsory enrolment of fire-bomb watchers?

Mr. Mabane

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Reply given on 26th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds).

Sir T. Moore

What steps are being taken or can be taken, against those who refuse to enroll?

Mr. Mabane

That is another question.

Dr. Russell Thomas

Does not the Minister consider that the question has been pushed too far, and that hard-working civilians are far more important than second-rate property?