§ 47. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the scheme detailing measures which should be taken for the protection of civilians from poison gas which was recommended by an international committee of experts in 1928, any steps have been taken on the matter in this country; and what steps have been taken by foreign nations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe report to which the hon. and gallant Member refers has been brought before the Standing Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence concerned with these matters. Various foreign nations are known to be actively studying this question, but I am unable to say what steps they are taking. As I have said in answer to previous questions on this subject, the ratification of the Geneva Gas Protocol of 1925 by most of the countries in Europe provides an important safeguard against this form of attack.
Brigadier-General BROWNCan we have an assurance that this matter of the protection of civilians is receiving attention?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly.