§ 2.52 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I beg to move that this Order he approved. We all want to get on with 992 the Business of the day and therefore I shall be brief; but I ought to tell your Lordships what is involved in this Order. It means that the air raid warning system is being re-established as a normal part of the country's defence arrangements. Air raid sirens of the type which came into general use in the Second World War are still considered to be the best means of sounding public air raid signals, and the signals in use in the Second World War are still the most distinctive which can be devised. Except in London, where the work will, as formerly, be done by the police, the larger local authorities. county councils and county boroughs, and certain specified county districts, will be responsible for providing, maintaining and, in the event of war, operating the sirens. The proposals have been discussed with the local authority associations, who agree with the arrangement proposed to be made. The necessary instructions to local authorities as to the action required of them—which is not confined to paper planning—are ready for immediate issue. I thought your Lordships would like to know that, but I forbear from saying more, because I know your Lordships are anxious to get on with the main Business of the day. I beg to move that the Regulations be approved.
§ Moved, That the Civil Defence (Public Protection) (Warnings) Regulations, 1951, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday last, be approved.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question. Motion agreed to.