§ 19. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, in a number of areas in Scotland, 1524 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. MathersThat 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. WestwoodCertainly, Sir.
§ 47. Sir T. Mooreasked the Home Secretary what are the areas in which steps are being taken to enforce the compulsory enrolment of fire-bomb watchers?
§ Mr. MabaneI 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. MooreWhat steps are being taken or can be taken, against those who refuse to enroll?
§ Mr. MabaneThat is another question.
Dr. Russell ThomasDoes 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?