HC Deb 23 November 1938 vol 341 cc1777-8W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to provide gas masks for British residents overseas in such colonies as Kenya, which might, in the case of hostilities, be exposed to gas attack from neighbouring countries?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Arrangements have already been made, in appropriate cases, to supply Colonial Dependencies with anti-gas equipment for the civilian population. The position in Kenya and certain other Dependencies is under review.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the equipment of the King's African Rifles, which is the main defence force of Kenya, is inefficient since owing to British rearmament it is impossible to obtain supplies of modern weapons, while there is no anti-aircraft equipment; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Special consideration has been given to the defences of Kenya: and the military forces have recently been reorganized on the basis of the latest modern armament requirements. It has not yet been possible to deliver the up-to-date equipment required to meet the needs of the new organisation. But all possible steps are being taken to expedite its delivery and it is being accorded as high a priority as possible in the general programme.

Forward to