§ Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the local authorities in the New Forest in installing fire-brooms at convenient points for use in the event of forest and heath fires; and whether he will circularise local authorities that they all should adopt a similar practice?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis action by the authorities in the New Forest had not been brought to my notice or to that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. The precautions to be taken for dealing with heath and forest fires depend on local circumstances, and the provision1130W of fire brooms may not always be the best course to adopt. My Department are ready to give any possible help for which they may be asked, and some suggestions on the subject have been issued for the guidance of police who may have to assist in dealing with heath fires. The responsibility for fire precautions rests with the local authorities, but I will make inquiry regarding the arrangements to which my hon. Friend refers and consider whether there are any further steps which I can usefully take.