HC Deb 22 October 1942 vol 383 cc2103-4
72. Mr. Reakes

asked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take to discourage Regional Commissioners from making statements prophesying heavy air-raids and so creating alarm and despondency among the civilian population, particularly in danger areas?

Mr. H. Morrison

It is right and proper that warnings should be given to the Civil Defence Services and the civil population to be in a state of readiness for heavy raids, and in my view it would be a reflection on the people of this country to suggest that such warnings would create alarm and despondency.

Mr. W. Brown

Can steps be taken to ensure that Ministers should speak with one voice on this subject?

Viscountess Astor

Is it not often the case that in devastated areas the authorities go fast asleep once a raid is over, and is it not necessary that they should be warned of what might happen?

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the statement made by a certain Commissioner and its apparent contradiction with that made by the Prime Minister, which interpretation of possible events can we accept?

Mr. Morrison

My hon. Friend will have seen that I spoke with the authority of the Prime Minister on Sunday, and there is a perfect reconciliation of any apparently superficial differences.