§ Sir A. Pownallasked the Home Secretary what action is being taken to cope with the danger of incendiary bombs in residential areas in London where there are large numbers of empty houses, in many of which water has been cut off?
§ Mr. MabaneIn view of the right of members of the police and fire services to force an entry into unoccupied premises if fire breaks out or is suspected, and the practice of the fire brigade of obtaining water for their appliances from hydrants or other outside sources, no special difficulty may be expected. Further, my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware of the recent Order under which lofts must be kept clear of articles of any kind, thus considerably mitigating the risk from incendiary bombs. It is also desirable that buckets of water or sand should be left in unoccupied houses by the owners.