§ 35. Mr. Tomlinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can offer any inducement in the way of increased grant to the local education authorities in connection with air-raid precautions work?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)As the hon. Member is aware, this question was reviewed by the Government a few weeks ago. I do not consider that present circumstances justify any alteration of the conclusions which were arrived at after the fullest consideration on that occasion.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIs the Minister aware that the Board of Education have since issued a decree insisting that in neutral areas shelters and provision should be made for the children before the schools are reopened and, therefore, does not his promise to review this question in 1940 become of no value because of the expenditure having to be incurred prior to that date?
§ Sir J. AndersonWhat I said was that I do not consider the present circumstances justify any alteration. It may well be the case that the financial relations between local authorities and the 641 Government may have to be looked at from time to time, but I suggest that this is not the moment for making piecemeal adjustments.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartMay we assume that the reply does not mean that my right hon. Friend is not unwilling to consider detailed adjustments for specific purposes?
§ 37. Mr. Parkerasked the Home Secretary whether all London Transport employés working in places where they are likely to be exposed in the event of airraids will be issued with steel helmets; and whether suitable supplies of mustard ointment could be made directly available for their use?
§ Sir J. AndersonI understand that the London Passenger Transport Board are providing steel helmets for such of their employés as are required to work in the streets during an air raid without the protection of a vehicle or building. Supplies of anti-gas ointment are to be provided as part of the equipment of first-aid parties and first-aid posts, and in first-aid boxes in wardens' posts, for the treatment of anyone who has been contaminated by gas, and I understand that the board are making no separate arrangements in respect of their own staffs.
§ 39. Sir P. Harrisasked the Home Secretary whether local authorities will be advised, in overcrowded areas where there is an absence of adequate shelter, to make use of the playgrounds in empty schools, to provide air-raid shelters?
§ Sir J. AndersonIn areas where the children have been evacuated there is no reason why air-raid shelter should not be provided in school playgrounds, and I have no doubt that local education authorities will co-operate in this matter.
§ Miss WilkinsonIn view of the difficulties in distressed areas, which have not the money to provide playgrounds, should not some extra assistance be given?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is a much larger question.