HC Deb 29 November 1933 vol 283 cc884-5
77. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Chemical Defence Committee makes grants to any universities or other educational institutions or to any private research establishment in order to enable research in connection with chemical warfare to be carried out therein; and, if so, what is the amount of such grants for 1933 and what are the names and addresses of the institutions and/or persons who receive them?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)

Certain scientists at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge carry out experiments on chemical defence problems, for which payment is made to them from Army funds. The estimated payments are included in the sum of £2,555 shown on page 171 of the Estimates for the current year.

78. Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there is in existence any agreement or understanding between His Majesty's Government and any manufacturer concerning the supply of offensive or defensive material in chemical warfare; if so, upon what financial terms; and what are the names of the manufacturers concerned?

Mr. COOPER

I am unable to add anything to the answer which I gave the hon. Member on 11th November, 1932.

80. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department is preparing plans for the protection of the civil population against chemical warfare; and will he make a statement as to his activities in this connection?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

I would refer to the answer which I gave on 23rd instant to questions by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Hull (Brigadier-General Nation) and the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) and of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.