asked the Home Secretary which county councils, county borough councils, Metropolitan and municipal borough councils, and urban and rural district councils in England and Wales have already agreed to adopt the measures put forward in the air-raid precautions circular, and which councils have indicated their refusal to do so?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29th July to a similar question by the hon. Member for Cardiff East (Mr. T. Morris).

asked the Home Secretary when specific advice will be available to people for the construction of private shelters proof against direct hits by bombs; and whether any approximate cost can be given for such a shelter?

I regret I am not in a position to give the information for which the hon. Member asks, but the matter is being actively investigated.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the provision of gas masks for protection of the civil population during air raids, arrangements will be made for masks of a size and kind suitable to children; and if arrangements are being made to safeguard patients in hospitals and institutions where the inmates are unable to look after themselves?

Yes, Sir; these matters will be considered.

Have gas masks been issued to the Cabinet yet? It is of extreme importance in the national interest?

Not as far as I am aware.

asked the Home Secretary whether the position of the unemployed has been considered in relation to the use of gas masks in the event of air attack; and whether he will consult with the appropriate departments with a view to such gas masks being provided free by public assistance committees and the Unemployment Assistance Board in cases of proved inability to purchase them?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to a question by the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell).