§ 13. Mr. JOHN WILMOTasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Camberwell Division of the British Red Cross Society recently organised a gas-drill demonstration for children, at which gas masks and smoke bombs were used; whether such exercises are being carried out with his knowledge and approval; and whether it is proposed to extend them?
Captain CROOKSHANKMy right hon. Friend saw an account in the Press of a demonstration of this character, to which no doubt the hon. Member refers. Exercises in anti-gas measures conducted by the British Red Cross Society do not require to be approved by my right hon. Friend nor is he consulted beforehand. My right hon. Friend has no information as regards the last part of the question.
§ 17. Mr. WILMOTasked the Home Secretary whether steps are being taken for the protection of the civilian population against the effects of aerial attack; and whether plans are being considered for the evacuation of the whole or any part of the civilian population of London and other cities?
§ 18. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Home Secretary what is the cause of the delay in publishing the official manual on civilian defence; and when will it be published?
Captain CROOKSHANKI regret that it is not possible at present to add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council on 30th July last during the course of the Debate on the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, and to the 993 answer given on the 1st instant by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander).