§ 44. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study his Civil Defence Advisers have made of civil defence in Stockholm and that city's system of air-raid shelters with a view to introducing it in Great Britain.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeWe continue to receive information from Sweden about civil defence arrangements there, including those in Stockholm, and this information is studied carefully. As regards the provision of shelters, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my noble Friend gave to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hale) on 6th May.
§ Mr. HughesIs it not true that Stockholm is far in advance of this country, and should not a country which has spent such a large amount of money on 547 preparations for bombing other people be spending more on shelters in order to protect its civilian population?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeMy noble Friend made perfectly clear the policy with regard to deep shelters in this country. The difference between Stockholm and this country, so far as deep shelters are concerned, is that in Stockholm they are easier to provide because of the rock formation.
§ Mr. CollinsCan the Minister say whether any representatives from his Department have visited Sweden in order to see the measures being taken there in this respect? If not, does he not think it advisable that such representatives should go to Sweden and then come back and report what they have learned?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThat I could not say without notice, but we are continually receiving information from Sweden.