§ 42. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now state the results of the investigations carried out by his officials into the cause of the two fires in Newport which destroyed two well-known and historic churches recently.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)I understand from the Chief Constable of Newport, Monmouthshire, that he called in Dr. J. B. Firth, of the North-Western Forensic Science Laboratory, to assist in the police inquiries into the cause of the destruction by fire of the two churches. These inquiries are not yet completed.
§ Mr. FreemanCan my right hon. Friend give me any indication when they are likely to be completed?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. It is hardly correct to describe this person as an official of my Department. He was called in by the Newport and Monmouthshire police and is acting under their instructions and advising them.