§ Mr. BILLINGasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a petition presented by the people of the town of Hertford to the chief magistrate, begging for official intimation to be given to those desiring it of the imminence of Zeppelin raids, and also asking for due notification of the passing of the danger; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?
Mr. SAMUELI have received the petition which was forwarded to me by the hon. Member, and I have communicated with the acting chief constable, who considers that the institution of a public warning would be inadvisable, as it would increase the number of persons leaving the shelter of their homes and proceeding into the streets and fields without in any way diminishing the risks. The petition had only about 400 signatures, and I understand that the desire for a public warning is not shared by the inhabitants as a whole.