§ Mr. Ethertonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give an assurance that all Government Departments throughout the country, including offices dealing with petroleum distribution, Post Offices and Somerset House, now continue to work after the alert warning and until danger is imminent?
§ Captain CrookshankI am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the instructions issued by the Treasury with regard to the action to be taken in Government Departments during periods of air-raid warning. The broad principle observed is that staffs, otherwise than those in exposed positions, do not go to shelter until a second warning of imminent danger is given. This arrangement applies at Somerset House. In the case of Post Offices arrangements are now operating612W under which ordinary work is carried on, as far as possible until danger appears imminent. The Treasury instructions have been circulated to local offices of the Petroleum Department and are in general operation, except in a few cases where the character of the building gives rise to special problems, which are being actively pursued.