AIR RAID RISKS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 303, 20 November 1935, Page 14

AIR RAID RISKS.

LONDON’S PRECAUTIONS. SUGGESTIONS BY EXPERTS. Within the next few months the Air Raids Precautions Department of the Home Office hopes to conclude its conferences with the larger local authorities of the country oil measures to be taken during air raids. At Southampton recently there was a consultation with representatives of the southern counties. This was followed by a conference with metropolitan borough councils to discuss in detail the organisation of precautionary plans. Previously tho department had met the London County Council, the Corporation of the City of London, and representatives of the Home Counties. Except in one or two instances the authorities are adopting the suggestions made by the experts. DerbyTown Council, where the Socialists are in a majority, have refused to take precautions and condemned the Home Office circular as “calculated to create war psychology.” Alembers of the general purposes committee of Westminster City Council. who have been, considering the circular, state that until a clear indication has been given regarding the coordination of services in London, and of the duties and responsibilities of the various local authorities concerned, “we think it would be premature to formulate any suggested lines of action.”

“The subject is one of particular importance to Westminster,” it is stated, “because, containing as it does Royal Palaces, the Houses of Parliament, the principal Government offices, it would obviously be the prime target for hostile aircraft.” Handbooks now in preparation by the Air Raid Precautions Department include'“Structural Precautions Against Bombs and Gas.” This is for architects, builders and others directly responsible for the construction and maintenance of buildings, and will deal with structural protection in buildings and air-raid shelters.