§ 33. Mr. Ridleyasked the Lord Privy Seal how many areas are still not completely supplied with fire-fighting appliances, first-aid equipment, and gas masks for air-raid precautions purposes?
§ Sir J. AndersonAdequate equipment for training purposes in general air-raid precautions has been issued to all areas that have applied for it. A substantial amount of mobilisation equipment has been issued to the areas chiefly exposed to risk and further supplies are issued as and when they are received from manufacturers. No area is however fully supplied yet with all equipment. Civilian gas masks have been issued in full to all areas except remote districts where the 2483 risks of attack are considered small. Reserve supplies are available. As regards fire-fighting equipment no area has yet received its full equipment, but deliveries are now in general satisfactory.
§ Mr. RidleyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the absence of complete supplies is causing grave anxiety to a large number of people; and when is he likely to be in a position to make a more satisfactory statement?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe House will realise that however greatly the programme of supplies may have been accelerated—and it has been very greatly accelerated—some substantial time must elapse before it can be completed.
§ Mr. PooleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are some authorities who have applied for equipment and who have not the necessary equipment with which to train their air-raid wardens?
§ Sir J. AndersonThere may be some such areas, but I think it will be found in all cases that they are remote areas, in which the risk of attack is not great. It is necessary to proceed on some system of priority.
§ Mr. PooleWith all due respect, surely the Minister does not regard the Midlands as a remote area which is immune from attack?
§ Sir J. AndersonPortions of it may be.