§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities are refusing to salvage household effects but limit the activities 2012W of their demolition squads to saving life; that, as a result, much furniture is damaged by the elements; and whether he can make it clear that local authorities should salvage household effects where practicable?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security regarding this Question. The functions of rescue parties (in the London region, known as rescue, shoring and demolition parties) are not precisely as implied in the Question. In addition to the extrication of casualties, the parties may have to undertake temporary work to prevent damage to the public from the collapse of buildings. These duties must take precedence over any others, but, subject to this prior obligation, my right hon. Friend has requested local authorities, in a circular of 3rd August, to give all possible assistance in removing and protecting furniture recovered from damaged houses. We are not aware that local authorities are refusing to undertake this work, though I understand that some local authorities have been more successful than others in making arrangements for removal and storage.