§ Mr. Silkinasked the Home Secretary under what powers regional commissioners and air-raid wardens are constituted; and what are their powers and duties?
§ Sir J. AndersonRegional commissioners are appointed by Royal Warrant. Under present conditions they are not invested with specific powers, but they have a general responsibility for ensuring that the Civil Defence plans of Government Departments and local authorities are properly co-ordinated. If communications should break down regional commissioners would, in consultation with the regional representatives of Government Departments, exercise the powers vested in the Government.
Air-raid wardens are appointed by local authorities under the provisions of the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937, and the regulations made thereunder. They have no specific powers. Their duties include the giving of advice and help to fellow citizens in the event of air attack, reporting air-raid damage to the authorities and calling aid when required.