§ 36. Mr. KIRKPATRICKasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, before the building of the Royal Air Force barracks which suffered damage by earthquake in Quetta, estimates were made, or tenders invited, for buildings of earthquake-proof construction; and whether all future buildings in India for the use of the personnel of the Royal Air Force will be built with a view to the greatest measure of security against earthquakes?
§ Mr. BUTLERI have been asked to reply. So far as I am aware, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; as regards future building, no decisions have yet been taken, and, owing to climatic conditions, new construction cannot in any case begin until next spring. I am satisfied, however, that the military authorities in India are 1480 fully alive to the importance of new buildings being constructed on earthquake-proof lines in areas that are liable to shocks.