HC Deb 01 February 1945 vol 407 cc1615-6
27. Mr. Bowles

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he gave the orders for the removal of E.S.W. tanks and pipes; and if so, why.

Mr. H. Morrison

There is no intention at present of dismantling the emergency water installations as a whole; but in view of the reduced risk of heavy incendiary attack I felt justified in authorising the National Fire Service to begin to remove certain classes of emergency water installation which might cause inconvenience. This applies in particular to steel tanks which have become too corroded to be worth repairing, and installations that obstruct the highway. In the areas more remote from the likelihood of attack, a beginning is also being made with the removal of any installations that, from an operational point of view, are now unnecessary. In particular, I have taken into account the desirability of freeing possible housing sites. In all cases, I think the dismantling of the installations is in the public interest.

Mr. Bowles

In view of the fact that there is now less danger of aerial incendiary attacks, cannot my right hon. Friend state that he will raise the blackout?

Mr. Morrison

That, of course, has nothing whatever to do with the Question on the Paper.