HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 cc1676-7
33. Mr. Kendall

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the shortage of chimney-sweeps in the Borough of Grantham, seeing that there remains only one semi-disabled skilled chimney-sweep for the whole town and surrounding district; and whether, in the interests of public safety, he will reconsider his recent refusal to interfere in the matter, since both the War Office and the Ministry of Labour are unable to consider applications for the release of skilled chimney-sweeps until his department first gives its recommendation?

36. Mr. Lipson

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the shortage of chimney sweeps in the Cheltenham area and the consequent risk of fires and danger to health, he will take steps to ensure that no more chimney sweeps in the district shall be taken away from their present occupation and take appropriate action to support applications for the release of ex-chimney sweeps of the lower medical grades from the forces?

Mr. H. Morrison

As far as I can see, my only possible concern with this matter is from the fire prevention point of view. As to this, on such information as I have regarding the incidence of chimney fires, I should not feel justified in recommending the release from the forces or from important national work of skilled chimney sweeps. I understand that my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service will be ready to give consideration to representations for deferment of national service of chimney sweeps where there is evidence of real difficulty.

Mr. Kendall

Would not the Minister agree that a man in the Army, being a male servant to an officer, is doing less work of national importance than he would be if he were doing chimney sweeping?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is asking for an opinion and not a fact.

Mr. Lipson

On a point of Order. Originally I put my Question to the Minister of Health, and in his answer the Home Secretary said that his Department is only concerned to a minor degree, and could it not be transferred to the Ministry to whom it is of great concern?

Mr. Morrison

I imagine that it was because my Department was the nearest that could be got to it. I understand that the Ministry of Health has no responsibility whatever.

Mr. Lipson

It has.

Mr. Morrison

I am told not, and the matter is very difficult.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not a fact that under the Public Health Act, 1875, it is the duty of local authorities to abate a nuisance, and surely unswept chimneys constitute a nuisance?

Mr. Kendall

Owing to the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.