HC Deb 13 June 1940 vol 361 cc1393-4W
Mr. Cocks

asked the Home Secretary whether precautions are being taken to extinguish fires caused by incendiary bombs in cornfields and other standing crops; whether these measures include the provision of fire-brooms and a register of cars to rush fire-fighters to the conflagration; and whether he has considered utilising the services of lord-lieutenants and deputy-lieutenants in organising the protection of crops against fire?

Sir J. Anderson

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, in reply to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Howdenshire (Major Carver) on 6th June, the question of precautions against damage to crops from incendiary bombs is under active consideration. A leaflet containing advice to farmers as to the precautions to be adopted, suitable fire fighting appliances and their use, is being issued very shortly by my right hon. Friend through the County War Agricultural Executive Committees. Apart from measures which can be taken by farmers themselves, arrangements are in hand for the loan of additional light trailer pumps and stirrup hand pumps to fire authorities in the main corn-growing districts, specifically for use in fighting fires in crops during the danger period.