§ Mr. Summersasked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take in connection with the destruction of a building of the first historical and architectural importance in the City of London by fire in a recent raid, as a result of the disclosure, in a statement sent to him, made by a responsible eye witness, that nothing was done for 45 minutes towards putting out an incendiary bomb lodged on the roof despite the fact that its position was notified to the post concerned by a watcher on an adjacent roof within two minutes of its falling and action was promised; and whether he will see that the lessons of this incident are brought to the notice of those responsible for fire-fighting with a view to preventing a recurrence of this tragedy?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonInquiry is being made to establish the cause of the delay in dealing with the incident described. This particular affair provides a further illustration of the need for ensuring that incendiary bombs are speedily dealt with, and I will see that the importance of this continues to be emphasised.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware the men who are liable for fire-watching duties, and who have received medical certificates that for health reasons they are unfit for such duties, are required to appear before a hardship committee, and, if too ill to attend their application for exemption is rejected; and whether he will take appropriate steps to have this procedure changed?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind I will ask the Ministry of Labour and National Service who are responsible for the Military Service (Hardship) Committees to inquire into the facts.