HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc2002-3W
Captain A. Graham

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the quantity of steel helmets supplied to the air-raid precautions services in a certain' district of which he has been informed, falls considerably short of requirements; and what steps he proposes in order to remedy this deficiency at the earliest possible date?

Mr. H. Morrison

Steel helmets have been issued for the authorised establishment of the A.R.P. services and additional numbers are being issued as supplies become available.

Sir J. Mellor

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a proportion of the wardens of the Solihull division were supplied with steel helmets by private subscription owing to the inability of the Warwickshire Air-raid Precautions Committee to supply a sufficient number; and whether, in view of the saving to public funds of approximately £250 per week through the Solihull division employing unpaid wardens in place of the authorised establishment of paid wardens, he will take steps to enable appropriation of a part of that sum for the purchase of necessary equipment for the division?

Mr. Morrison

I am making inquiries into the position as disclosed in the Question and I will communicate with my hon Friend.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether the supply of steel helmets ordered and paid for by doctors under the arrangements made between him and the Minister of Home Security are unaffected by the restrictions recently imposed on the supply of steel helmets?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Yes, Sir.