HC Deb 26 May 1937 vol 324 cc273-4
42. Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the estimated cost of providing adequate air raid precautions in the City of Liverpool; whether the Corporation of Liverpool have applied to him for financial assistance in this work; and what steps he proposes to take to share the estimated cost of such precautions in Liverpool?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

The Air Raid Precautions Department of the Home Office has received from the Liverpool City Council an estimate involving the expenditure of about £200,000 on public air raid precautionary services. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and as regards the last part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 8th April to my hon Friend the Member for West Salford (Mr. Emery) and other hon. Members.

Mr. Kirby

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the Corporation of Liverpool and other local authorities are holding back the provision of adequate equipment because the Home Secretary and the Department generally cannot make up their minds?

Mr. Lloyd

I have said that the Government are considering this matter.