Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the total losses incurred in the United Kingdom as a result of damage by fire in the years ended March, 1939, and 1947, respectively.
§ Mr. EdeSo far as I am aware, the only available figures are those which are published from time to time in the Press and which do not distinguish between the United Kingdom and Eire. I am not fully informed as to the methods by which these figures are compiled and cannot judge how far they are reliable.