HC Deb 11 December 1952 vol 509 cc657-8
30. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why his Department has sent an account for £104 10s. to the Devon County Council in respect of the use of the "walkie-talkies" during rescue operations in the Lynmouth floods.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

When this matter was brought to my notice I gave instructions that this account should be withdrawn.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the wealth of good will, self-sacrifice and superhuman endurance associated with this disaster, does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that the nitwit who was responsible—[Interruption.] I thank the Home Secretary for what he has said, but is it not really unreasonable to send in an account like that?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The account is dead and I do not think it would help us if we trampled on the corpse.

Brigadier Peto

On a point of order. May I call attention to the fact that the hon. and gallant Member for Devon, North put down a similar Question to this and it has been included in Questions for non-oral answer in error—Question 2—and that the hon. and gallant Member for Devon, North is well able to look after the interests of his own constituency?

Mr. Speaker

I have been handed the hon. and gallant Member's Question, and there is no star on it.

Brigadier Peto

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, may I apologise for the fact that there is no star on it? May I ask my right hon. and learned Friend if he is aware that the answer he has given to Question 30 will give great satisfaction?