§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Home Secretary whether plans have been prepared for the protection of coal mines against the danger of attacks from the air; and whether he can indicate what measlres are proposed?
§ Sir S. HoareA memorandum on air-raid precautions for collieries was distributed on the 7th instant to owners and managers of all coal mines in Great Britain.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn connection with the drawing up of this memorandum have there been any consultations with the representatives of the men; and, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman take an opportunity of discussing the memorandum with the representatives of those who are so vitally concerned?
§ Sir S. HoareI think I had better send a copy of the memorandum to the hon. Member and he will be in a better position to judge whether further discussion is necessary.
§ Sir S. HoareI think that, up to the present, it has been sent to the owners and managers of pits, but there is no reason why it should not have a wider circulation.
Mr. JenkinsMay I ask whether consultations took place, before the memorandum was drafted, with the owners and managers?
§ Sir S. HoareI could not answer that question without notice.
§ 37. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make with reference to the information received by the Air-Raid Precautions Department from the Spanish Catalan Government, as a result of the experience of the bombing of Barcelona, with respect to the nature of wounds received; percentages of amputations; percentages of deaths; and information concerning cases of gas-gangrene and tetanus, the number of bombs dropped, and their type and effects?
§ Sir S. HoareThe Air-Raid Precautions Department receives from various sources information on these and other points, all of which is being carefully studied.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not the case that the Catalan Government have given very valuable information from their firsthand knowledge, for which we are very grateful?
§ Sir S. HoareYes, Sir. I think we have received information from several sources in Spain, and we are grateful to all who have given it.
§ 40. Mr. Dayasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the large number of additional motor ambulances required by the various local authorities to meet the provisional requirements for air-raid precautions work, which they are finding difficulty in obtaining at reasonable prices, he will consider recommending that local authorities may in case of necessity use, attached to motor cars, trailer ambulances which can be purchased at moderate prices?
§ Sir S. HoareIt is not proposed that local authorities should purchase in time of peace any ambulances, of whatever type, over and above their normal peacetime requirements. Emergency ambulance equirements can be provided by 1498 fitting suitable commercial vehicles, individually earmarked in advance, with a simple wooden fitment, capable of carrying four stretchers.
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir, I do not think so.