asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures if he will state whether it is proposed to issue complete instructions as to the A.R.P. requirements in respect of factories, large commercial, public and other buildings, and, if so, whether he proposes to consult representatives of manufacturing and commercial concerns before these are finally compiled and if he will state when it is anticipated that such instructions will be issued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Position of Factories and Public Buildings.
We must proceed step by step in this matter, and for the present, at any rate, it is not proposed to issue comprehensive instructions as to the A.R.P. requirements in respect of factories, large commercial, public and other buildings. The larger business firms and industrial concerns in Dublin and in the special areas have, however, been invited to send representatives for training as qualified instructors at the Air Raid Precautions School. In the majority of cases the firms have sent representatives who have been trained and put in a position to advise as to the measures necessary for the safety of their firms' staffs and premises.
May I point out to the Chair that the Opposition were asked to put down questions so as to convenience the Government, and in order that it should have notice of the matters that were likely to be raised.
The Chair is aware of that and cognate facts. Hence the Chair made concessions in allowing questions to be tabled at a Special Session. But surely two hours, instead of the usual half hour, afford ample time for replies.
Still I think it ought to be made quite clear that, so far as the Opposition are concerned, we are quite prepared to raise all the matters in the debate on the Adjournment, and it was for the purpose of accommodating the Government by giving full notice of the topics to he dealt with in the debate that the questions were put down.
Am I to take it that the matters discussed now will not be debated on the Adjournment?
On the contrary, they will be amplified in the debate on the Adjournment.