§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Regional Commissioner has declined to regard the township of Westhoughton as a non-prescribed area for fire-watching purposes against the wishes of the local authority; and if he will explain how this decision was arrived at when townships of a similar size and location have been so designated?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe area of this authority was prescribed for fire guard purposes over two years ago by a direction issued by the Regional Commissioner in whose discretion the matter rests. I understand that he has recently considered a request by the local authority that their area should cease to be prescribed but that after full consideration he informed the authority that he was not prepared to accede to their request. It would not be in the public interest to go into detail.