§ 64. Captain Ramsayasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the recent announcement by General Goering that Germany has a national defence league of 12,000,000 volunteer members, 5,000,000 of whom have received special training in 3,40o schools for action in the event of air attack; and what progress has been made on similar lines in this country?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has seen reports of the statement to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. Air raid precautionary services in this country are being organised by local authorities; and the training of these services, in so far as they have already been recruited, is proceeding throughout the country. As regards the general public, voluntary societies such as the St. John Ambulance Brigade, St. Andrew's Ambulance Association and the British Red Cross Society, are giving lectures and training in various parts of the country; and facilities for training in various special aspects of air raid precautions, such as the wearing of respirators, are being provided or are in contemplation.
§ Captain RamsayCan my hon. Friend say whether the Government will take further steps in the matter, or whether they propose to leave things in the hands of these societies?
§ Captain Sir William BrassCan my right hon. Friend say whether the cinema is being used for instructional purposes?
§ Captain RamsayMay I have a reply to my supplementary question?
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the people in this country are of opinion that they have nothing to learn from men of the Goering type?