HC Deb 07 November 1940 vol 365 cc1465-6W
Mr. Thurtle

asked the Home Secretary how many members of the Pioneer Corps are now actually engaged in clearing-up work in the London area; if he is aware that the Borough of Shoreditch has had fewer than 100 men of the Pioneer Corps assisting in dealing with the débris in that borough, and that it is in need of a great many more; and if he will arrange for more men to be made available for work in the borough?

Mr. H. Morrison

As regards the first part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss) to-day. It has been possible so far to allocate only 100 Pioneers to undertake clearance work in Shoreditch; but clearance in this area is also being undertaken by the Civilian Labour organisation which is being built up. It is hoped to give more assistance to Shoreditch in the near future.

Mr. Lindsay

asked the Home Secretary which Department is responsible for organising the labour supply for clearing up London débris; and who is responsible for the execution of the task?

Mr. Morrison

The Department responsible for organising the necessary civilian labour supply for the clearance of débris is the Ministry of Labour and National Service. The executive responsibility for the execution of the work in London has been entrusted to Sir Warren Fisher, whom my predecessor appointed on the 27th September last as a Special Commissioner for this purpose within the organisation of the London Region. The London County Council have been good enough to put at the disposal of the Special Commissioner a controlling staff familiar with the kindred work of the rescue and de- molition parties, for which they are responsible.