HC Deb 27 May 1943 vol 389 cc1710-1
10. Commander King-Hall

asked the Home Secretary whether he will examine the possibility of having two types of air-raid warning signals, one of which would indicate that a small nuisance raiding force was approaching, while the other would indicate that an attack in strength was to be expected?

15. Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary whether he is considering making any alteration in the method of air-raid warning.

Mr. H. Morrison

The possibility of using two types of warning signal to indicate the strength of an enemy air raid has been considered, but, for reasons which it would not be in the public interest for me to disclose, it is not considered practicable to do so.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware, that the siren has an even worse effect on the nerves of many women than the guns?

Mr. Morrison

I am not going to boast that the siren is a particularly tuneful thing. I think that any air-raid warning signal, whatever it may be, is calculated to have a little disturbing effect.

Mr. Thorne

If the right hon. Gentleman intends to make any alteration in the siren warning, I take it the House will be informed?

Mr. Morrison

That will be my wish, unless reasons of security operate otherwise. I should imagine it would be necessary and right to inform the House.