HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 363 cc7-8
8. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that adequate measures have been taken to secure the protection, in all circumstances, of public utility concerns, such as electricity, water and gas undertakings either by Regular Army contingents or Local Defence Volunteers?

5. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will have important trains running in areas liable to air-raids armed with anti-aircraft guns?

20. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration is being given to the provision of bulletproof shields as a protection against machine-gunning from the air?

25. Mr. Gledhill

asked the Secretary of State for War whether adequate arrangements have now been made for guarding power stations, waterworks and other important local services?

Mr. Eden

I think my hon. Friends will agree that it would be very undesirable for me to make public statements about details of our defence schemes, and I hope they will accept my assurance that our plans include all protective measures that are considered practicable and make the best use of our resources.

Mr. Mander

Is my hon. Friend aware that not everybody is quite satisfied about this, and will he give me an opportunity of making private representations?

Mr. Eden

I am only too ready at any time to receive private representations. It is the public representations that I do not favour quite so much.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Once we have made our representations, will something be done?

Mr. Eden

I cannot undertake to say that such views will necessarily override those of the military authorities, but I can promise that they will be given all consideration and will be discussed.

21. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the military authorities in charge of local defences are acting in full co-operation with the county surveyors in respect to the siting of barricades and other obstructions and defensive measures?

Mr. Eden

The military authorities are co-operating fully with the local authorities in these matters.

Sir H. Williams

Can my right hon. Friend say whether that is true of the Purley and Coulsdon Urban District Council, which was not co-operating in the slightest degree last Friday?

Mr. Eden

Obviously, I cannot answer for every urban district in the country.