HC Deb 08 February 1945 vol 407 cc2219-20
38. Mr. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what party is responsible for the provision of red lights or other measures to ensure the protection of the public against accidents due to accumulations of debris, repair materials, etc., left at night on the streets near bomb damage.

Mr. H. Morrison

There are a number of legal requirements regarding obstructions in the street which it is impracticable to specify as they vary from place to place. London local authorities were asked in December to arrange for their contractors to remove rubble or to light any heap of material or rubble left on the highway. Private owners carrying out repairs to their own homes will also, I hope, take all possible steps to avoid the risk of accidents.

Mr. Hynd

Can we take it that the contractors, in the case of private owners carrying out their own repairs, are legally liable for the prevention of these accidents; and is the Minister not aware that there is considerable confusion as to who is actually responsible?

Mr. Morrison

I do not think it would be wise for me to express an opinion on what is essentially a matter of law.