HC Deb 24 February 1944 vol 397 cc956-7
14. Mr. Craik Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has had an inspection, from a health point of view, of report and control centres, and wardens' posts, throughout the country; and whether such report is satisfactory from the point of view of accommodation and ventilation.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

No, Sir. The primary responsibility for conditions in report and control centres and wardens' posts rests with the local authorities concerned whose Medical Officers are in a position to advise them on health matters. The need for close attention to the problem was brought to the notice of local authorities in a circular which I issued in June, 1942, in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Health. I will send my hon. Friend a copy. In addition, Civil Defence premises are visited and reported upon from time to time by officers of my Department.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the complaints that many Members have received, will the right hon. Gentleman again communicate with local authorities and impress on them the necessity of having regard to health conditions?

Mr. Morrison

I am willing to consider any evidence that may be supplied to me, as to anything being generally unsatisfactory, but I do not think I ought to commit myself in the absence of evidence.

Mr. Robertson

Having regard to the knowledge of the subject which the right hon. Gentleman possesses, and the unsatisfactory conditions at Streatham where men and women have to work for 12 hours a day in cubby holes without windows, is it not a matter for his Department?

Mr. Morrison

No, the hon. Member drew my attention to this and I did the best I could. Local authorities have this responsibility and they have medical officers. If I sent inspectors to all these places half the country would be inspecting the other half.