§ 45. Mr. DAYasked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been come to with reference to the problem of the protection of the civil population against gas attack; whether any scheme has been prepared for the protection of the civil population in these emergencies in future; and whether this scheme has been communicated to the local authorities?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have said in answer to previous questions on this subject, in view of the ratification last year of the Geneva Gas Protocol of 1925 by most of the important European States, including this country, and also in view of the other international undertakings and agreements for the preservation of peace, I do not think the present time opportune to press on with plans dealing with gas attack. It is, I think, well known, and has been stated in the House on more than one occasion, that considerable preparatory work had been done by the Committee of Imperial Defence upon this problem prior to the ratification of the Protocol; this work will always be available should it be necessary, at any time, to reconsider our position.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas my right hon. Friend considered the effect on public opinion of a little drill for the children in gas mask wear?