HC Deb 09 December 1935 vol 307 cc562-3
67. Mr. DAY

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state which of the Government departments have under discussion the evacuation of London's civilian population in the case of bombardment from the air by any hostile Power; and whether any decisions have been arrived at?

Mr. LLOYD

All the problems arising in connection with the protection of the civil population against air attack, of which this is one, are closely inter-related and are being considered as a whole by the Air Raids Precautions Department of the Home Office in consultation, as necessary, with other Government Departments concerned. The answer to the second part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

Mr. DAY

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the chief constables of the districts around London are also taken into consultation?

Mr. LLOYD

Certainly, the Metropolitan Police will be consulted in common with other Departments of the Government.

Mr. DAY

That was not the question. I asked whether the chief constables of the districts around London and the County of London will be consulted?

Mr. LLOYD

The local authorities are being consulted, and, of course, the watch committees and chief constables will come under that.