§ 41. Mr. GARDNERasked the Home Secretary what measure of agreement 1096 has been achieved between his Department and the local authorities in the matter of providing against a possible air attack; and how many local authorities have prepared and submitted to him schemes for aiding, in such an event, persons injured and persons in danger?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)The Air Raid Precautions Department is holding a series of conferences with local authorities throughout the country; and local authorities almost universally have shown their willingness to co-operate with the Government in the formulation of precautionary measures for the protection of the public against the effects of air attack. So far there has hardly been time for local authorities to complete detailed schemes for their areas; but a considerable number of schemes are already being discussed between the Department and the local authority concerned.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the Under-Secretary not think that the best way to ensure protection is for the Government to agree to the abolition of air bombing?
§ 42. Mr. GARDNERasked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with measures to meet possible attacks from the air, he intends to recommend or suggest to local authorities any increase in the normal provision of fire extinguishing apparatus in the various localities; and whether additional men are to be trained for the purpose of strengthening fire brigades in an emergency?
§ Mr. LLOYDThese matters are being considered by the departmental committee under the chairmanship of Lord Riverdale which was appointed to review the fire brigade services in England and Wales, and my right hon. Friend proposes to await the report of the committee before taking any action.
51. Mr. ACLANDasked the Home Secretary whether His Majesty's Government know of any gas-mask which is capable of giving to the wearer complete protection against any probable concentration of every poisonous gas which is known to the Government; and are such gas-masks available to the public 1097 or likely, in the near future, to become available to the public, and in what numbers and at what prices?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe whole subject of the arrangements to be made for the provision of respirators has been under close examination for some time past. It is hoped that it will be possible to make a full statement on this subject in the near future.