§ 30. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War what is to be regarded as the invasion warning in areas where there are either no church bells or where church bells cannot be heard ringing?
§ Mr. A. HendersonWhere such arrangements are considered necessary it is the responsibility of the local military commander, in consultation with the regional commissioner, to improvise a suitable alternative warning signal.
§ Mr. StokesIn view of the fact that in the area from which I come, which is in a dangerous position, you cannot hear church bells, will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell us what kind of signal is given to these people, and, if it is suitable for them, why cannot it be instituted all over the country and the church bells rung for purposes for which they were intended?
§ Mr. HendersonAs I have indicated, it is for the local military commander to make arrangements with the Regional Commissioner. If my hon. Friend can provide me with details which show that in any particular district no arrangements have been made, I will gladly look into them.
§ Mr. StokesThat is not my point. It this signal is suitable in one area, why cannot it be made universal and applicable to every area? It is just stupidity on the part of the War Office.
§ Mr. HendersonNo one has been able to think of a suitable general alternative to the ringing of church bells.
§ Sir H. WilliamsCan the hon. and learned Gentleman tell me of any area where proper arrangements have been made?
§ Mr. HendersonI think I am entitled to ask my hon. Friend whether he will give me particulars of any area where suitable arrangements have not been made.
§ Sir H. WilliamsYes, the area in which I live.