HC Deb 21 November 1946 vol 430 cc1009-10
41. Mr. Touche

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding another method of summoning the fire brigade in the country than the use of the air-raid siren signal.

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. I regret that I am not in a position to hold out hopes of finding an effective substitute for a siren, but further experiments in altering its note are in progress.

Mr. Touche

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this noise has a very disturbing effect upon children who have previously been involved in a serious bomb incident?

Mr. Ede

I really must give consideration to getting the firemen—especially retained men—together when a fire is notified.