HC Deb 06 December 1945 vol 416 cc2498-9
18. Flight-Lieut. Haire

asked the Minister of Health, what steps he is taking to dispose of the valuable A.R.P. and other civil defence material deteriorating in storage in various parts of the country; and whether he will also consider an early derequisitioning of the storage premises concerned, thereby saving public funds

Mr. Bevan

A.R.P. and Civil Defence Services generally are the responsibility of the Home Office. Authority to dispose of equipment provided for the Emergency Services for which my Department is responsible was given to local authorities in a circular dated 28th November, 1945, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Flight-Lieut. Haire

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the steps he has taken since I tabled my Question about a week ago, may I ask him to pay attention to the number of premises where this material is stored and which are eating up public funds, and will he do his utmost to have them derequisitioned as soon as possible?

Mr. Bevan

I hope that the decision to dispose of the surplus stores will have the effect of making the accommodation available, but obviously it could not be available until the stores were disposed of.