Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence – in the House of Commons at on 25 March 1943.
Sir Charles Lyle
, Bournemouth
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can make an up-to-date statement regarding the duty of the public to carry, or not to carry, gas-masks?
Mr Herbert Morrison
, Hackney South
I have nothing to add to the statement which I made to the House on 30th July last, when I indicated that if and when there was any reason for a change of policy I would advise the public without delay.
Sir Charles Lyle
, Bournemouth
Is it not a fact that the principal officer of the A.R.P. Department of the Ministry of Home Security has stated that in his opinion Hitler will use gas, and that Lord Halifax has said the same thing? Is it not undesirable that the British public should receive contradictory advice?
Mr Herbert Morrison
, Hackney South
I do not recall that advice having been given. Everybody is entitled to his opinion. The British Government have expressed their opinion at the moment, though that opinion may have to be changed.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
