CO129-580-9 Air Raid precautions- supply of equipment 14-2-1939 - 24-11-1939 — Page 29

241

(b) Is the rate of protsess on passive air defence sufficient, (1) generally, and (2) as regards anti-gas

measures?

As regards the general programme, the Committee note that out of a total programme estimated to cost approximately $5,330,000, it is only proposed to incur expenditure in 1939 to the amount of $450,000 ($250,000 under the "Mobilisation Stores" Vote, and $200,000 under

The Committee the Head of Public Works Extraordinary).

feel strongly that, having regard to the general international situation, everything possible should be done to accelerate the execution of the total programme as outlined in paragraph 7 of your despatch. In short, while they have no comment on the adequacy of the general programme proposed, they feel that the rate of progress suggested in your despatch is inadequate, and should be

accelerated as much as possible.

As regards the question of anti-gas equipment, it is similarly felt that it would be unwise to spread over two years the expenditure on equipment for the essential services. It is felt, therefore, that the

purchase of such equipment should be effected as soon as the necessary store accommodation can be made available.

(c) Protective clothing for Personnel of essential

Services.

The Committee endorse the policy set out in

paragraph 11 of your despatch namely, that the provision of protective clothing for the personnel of essential Services should be placed low in the order of priority,

and that the most that should be done at present is to equip

and train a few small mobile bodies of men for decontamin-

ation work.

(a)