HC Deb 19 February 1942 vol 377 cc1890-1
34. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Burma what steps have been taken respecting the provision of air-raid shelters and similar forms of Civil Defence in Burma and, in particular, in the Rangoon area; whether the present Burman Government have taken active steps in the matter; whether any arrangements exist for the evacuation of the civil population in areas likely to be exposed to concentrated air attack; and what sum of money has been allocated to Civil Defence purposes?

The Secretary of State for Burma (Mr. Amery)

Active steps have been taken to organise Civil Defence on lines generally similar to those in this country adapted to suit local conditions, particularly in the Rangoon area. The organisation which covers arrangements for the evacuation so far as may be necessary of urban populations, as well as the provision of shelter, is in the charge of an officer who has had experience in the Ministry of Home Security. Details of the sums allocated are not available.

Mr. Sorensen

Have any arrangements been made for evacuating the civil population, and are the air-raid precautions in being to protect the population, particularly of Rangoon?

Mr. Amery

Yes, Sir. I said that arrangements have been made for evacuation and all arrangements made for shelters where possible.

Sir Stanley Reed

Under the Constitution is not that a responsibility which devolves upon the Burman Ministry?

Mr. Amery

It falls primarily on the Burman Ministry, but it also falls on the Governor under the Defence of India (Burma) Rules.