HC Deb 16 October 1941 vol 374 c1484
34. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Home Secretary whether he is able to make any statement in regard to possible modification of the air-raid warning system?

Mr. H. Morrison

The Government have decided to discontinue the "Yellow" preliminary caution message. This is a warning sent to headquarters of Air-Raid Precautions services and to certain other establishments. Experience of raiding conditions has shown that the preliminary caution message can safely be dispensed with. It is no longer required by the Civil Defence services and the needs of essential industry have been otherwise provided for. Its discontinuance will relieve the Post Office telephone system of a very large amount of work. The public warning system is not affected by the change.

Mr. Garro Jones

Does the decision to give warnings still rest with the Fighter Command?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. Although in certain respects there is active participation by my Department, fundamentally the decision rests with the Fighter Command.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Will the new situation affect certain steps that are normally taken on the receipt of the warning, for example, by certain public vehicles?

Mr. H. Morrison

It may affect them in part, but, on the whole, that will be of advantage, because disturbance will be minimised. In the light of experience we feel that it is a perfectly safe step to take.