HC Deb 02 February 1943 vol 386 cc738-9
31. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War Whether, in view of the fact that the decision to employ church bells as an invasion warning was taken prior to the installation of sirens and in view of the fact that in many districts there are either no church bells or church bells cannot be heard, he will alter the invasion signal to a uniform one on the siren, either by a continuous blast lasting 10 minutes or by a series of 50 short blasts?

Sir J. Grigg

I can assure my hon. Friend that the possible use of sirens has not been overlooked on any of the occasions when the use of church bells as a warning of invasion was being considered but their use is considered impracticable.

Mr. Stokes

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that in those areas where church bells cannot be heard or where there are no church bells, he has satisfied himself that other arrangements have been made?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot satisfy myself in all the areas. All I can satisfy myself about is that the local military authorities have been instructed to make arrangements.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they have made no arrangements in some areas?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not think that is the case.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Will my right hon. Friend satisfy himself that when the church bells do ring, the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) will go to church?

Mr. Thorne

Is it not the case that the church bells will be ringing before Christmas if the Russians go on punishing the Germans as they are doing?