asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the shortage of torch bateries in the case of wardens of an area of which he has been informed, and that the wardens complain of the danger involved in patrol without a. torch; and will he take steps to see that such articles shall be supplied to these men?

I understand that the county authority responsible placed an order for batteries on 20th February and did not follow up the matter until 9th May. The suppliers have not been able to trace receipt of either letter. The matter has, I am informed, now been put right, and the batteries are being despatched at once.