CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941 — Page 20

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constructed from concrete blocks which will be

erected in such open spaces as are available in the

built-up areas. These pens afford protection from bomb blast and splinters.

(c) Tunnels, which are the ideal form of

protection since protection is complete and

relatively comfortable. The main limiting factor,

apart from cost, is accessibility since suitable

hills into which to tunnel are not to be found in

the vicinity of all vulnerable areas.

The following methods of protection will also be

adopted to a small extent:-

6.

(a)

Trenches, for the construction of which very

few suitable spaces are available in the built-up

areas.

(e)

Anderson Shelters, which are generally unsuitable for this Colony because there are few houses possessing gardens in which the shelters

could be sunk and because the bulk of the Chinese

population cannot afford to buy them.

The matter of providing protection by the above means for the population of the vulnerable areas has been carefully considered by my Executive Council and by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council and it has been decided to provide protection to the completest possible extent and as early as possible. The total cost is estimated at

approximately $8,000,000, including the $1,000,000 referred to in paragraph 4 above. In addition to the $1,000,000 which has already been formally voted in Finance Message No.9, Item No. 184, the Finance Committee has agreed informally to the appropriation of a further sum of $2,000,000 during the remainder of the present financial year. This money has been

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