Mr. Davidson:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now able to define certain areas in this country as areas relatively immune from enemy bombing; and whether he will reconsider the application of the fire-watching Order in such areas with a view to easing the strain on workers already engaged on full-time war industry.

The Fire Guard Orders contain provisions under which the burden imposed by fireguard duties can be relaxed where this course is considered justified. Full use is being made of these powers in those parts of the country which can be regarded as relatively safe from air attack.

Mr. Davidson:

In view of the fact that in many areas which are relatively free from bombing no such modification of the fire-watching Order has taken place, can my right hon. Friend direct the attention of the people responsible once again to their powers in this respect?

If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars, I will look into those cases.