§ 45. Mr. Liddallasked the Prime Minister whether, in the case of war damage occurring in any area, he will give instructions that the appropriate Government Department or Departments shall immediately send a representative or representatives, with full power to act, to advise property owners, tradesmen and all concerned as to the best method of dealing with the many problems that thereby arise?
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I am not sure what has prompted my hon. Friend's Question. So far as air raids are concerned, since the early days of raiding arrangements have been in force and have been continuously developed by which Regional Commissioners and Departmental Representatives give immediate help to local authorities in the restoration of the life of the community after air raids and particular attention has been directed to the need for ensuring that prompt help is given to the special problems of property owners and traders. The general co-ordination of these activities is a responsibility of Regional Commissioners. The lessons to be learnt from previous raids and failures in arrangements where such have occurred have been closely studied and remedies applied. Every effort is made to improve the efficiency of the arrangements in the light of experience and intelligent anticipation.