HC Deb 24 February 1944 vol 397 cc957-8
22. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will arrange for an increased number of bulldozers being made available in London to remove débris from streets after an air-raid.

Mr. H. Morrison

I am satisfied that, so far as circumstances can be foreseen, the existing arrangements for securing bulldozers when they are required and suitable to the circumstances of a particular area or incident are adequate.

Mr. Astor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently streets were being cleaned and débris was being removed by hand, when the work could have been far more quickly and efficiently done by mechanical means? Is he satisfied with that situation?

Mr. Morrison

No, I am never satisfied. We are short of man-power and I quite agree that this is an idea, although I imagine that there will be difficulty in getting the bulldozers. However, I will do my best.

Mr. Astor

Will the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements with the War Office to obtain bulldozers, which can be moved very quickly from one area to another?

Mr. Morrison

I will use the hon. Gentleman's Question to exercise pressure on the War Office.

Mr. Thorne

Can my right hon. Friend say what is meant by a bulldozer?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. It is a mechanical navvy.