HC Deb 03 December 1942 vol 385 cc1294-5
47. Mr. Driberg

asked the Prime Minister whether he will permit the ringing of church bells on Christmas morning?

Mr. Attlee

This matter is under consideration.

Mr. Stokes

In view of the fact that in many parts of the country the bells were not heard at all, and therefore will be useless as an invasion signal, will my right hon. Friend reconsider the whole position with a view to allowing the bells to be rung regularly on Sundays?

Mr. Attlee

I do not quite understand the point. My hon. Friend says the bells were not heard.

Mr. Stokes

May I make it plain that in some parts of the country the bells were not heard at all? Therefore they are no use as an invasion signal. Why not use sirens as an invasion signal and allow the bells to be rung for the purposes for which they were intended?

Mr. Driberg

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon the consideration is likely to be completed?

Mr. Attlee

I cannot say.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Would the bells be rung if the death of Hitler was announced?