§ 42. Mr. Kirbyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in Liverpool in the registration of fire-watchers and the allocation to them of duties; and is he satisfied that this service is now adequately prepared for any further enemy attacks upon this seaport?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Wilkinson)There was, it must be 553 admitted, considerable room for improvement in the fire guard organisation at Liverpool. The matter has for some time been engaging our attention and that of the Regional and civic authorities. The reorganisation that has taken place as a result of these joint efforts has, I am told, considerably improved the situation. I am informed that progress is being made in the enrolment of Fire Guards registered under the Compulsory Enrolment Order. My hon. Friend knows that however good arrangements may be, I am never satisfied and may rest assured that every effort will be made still further to improve the fire prevention arrangements both at Liverpool and elsewhere.