HC Deb 15 August 1940 vol 364 cc984-5W
Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to issue any order dealing with the control of horses in evacuated areas during enemy attack?

Sir J. Anderson

General instructions on this matter have already been given to Regional Commissioners, who will consult with the military and local authorities; but the detailed measures to be taken must depend on the circumstances at the time.

Sir R. Gower

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the circumstances that drivers are asked to stand by their horses in roads and streets during air-raids, he will consider the desirability of making it compulsory that all such drivers shall be supplied with steel helmets?

Sir J. Anderson

The precautions which drivers are asked to take for the safety of their horses do not necessarily imply that they must stand by their animals during a raid. In any event the present demands for steel helmets for essential war services is such that it would not be practicable to allow them to be made available as my hon. Friend suggests.