FLYING GLASS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 260, 1 August 1942, Page 8

FLYING GLASS

Protection Of Civil Population ACTION MODIFIED

The protection, of the civilian population from the dangers of flying glass caused by bomb blast was referred to last night by the Minister of Civil Defence, Mr. Bodkin. He said that, following on a careful investigation of the whole problem, and after consideration of all the factors involved, the War Cabinet had decided that the powers recently taken in the Emergency Shelter Regulations providing for the removal or other treatment of plate glass in shop fronts and so forth would not be exercised at present.

“It has been decided, however,” said Mr. Bodkin, “that some action is justified in regard to the treatment of other glass in so far as it presents a potential danger to the public. Immediate action i.s restricted to some extent due to the shortage of suitable protective materials, and this has necessitated the determination of priorities to ensure that those publicplaces where the danger is likely to be the greatest are given urgent attention.” Vulnerable Areas. Mr. Bodkin said that E.P.S. organizations in the more vulnerable centres were accordingly being directed to take immediate action in the treatment of glass, by fabric netting or other approved methods, at places such as firstaid posts, dressing stations, and rest centres, where I'j.P.S. personnel and the general public were likely to be congregated in an emergency. Similar action would also be taken with the appropriate authorities in regard to glass protection at hospitals, railway concourses and booking-halls, schools and post offices in vulnerable localities. The subsidy grant for E.P.S. organizations for this work would be on the usual basis of £2 for £l. The Minister said that, while the above represented the extent to which immediate action -would be taken, arrangements were also being made for a survey to be put in hand regarding the extent to which it would be desirable. for glass treatment on the above lines to be carried out. in commercial and industrial buildings in zones which were considered to be target areas, that was, those areas which were not residential in character. The reports obtained as a result of this survey would be closely examined and would provide a basis for consideration of the wider application of glass treatment as indicated, and contingent on supplies of approved materials being available. Limited Resources. “In reaching these decisions,” said the Minister, “and while being aware of the danger which glass presents, the Government has been guided by the facts, first, that plate glass does not fly to the same extent as do lighter glasses; and, secondly, that the limited resources of materials, and manpower which are available are better expended on other works, shelters for example, which, besides protecting the public from glass, protect them also from other and more serious risks. “The general policy must remain—ns it does in Great Britain where it has been found necessary to make mandatory requirements of the public in respect of glass—that the public must take cover during a raid. This calls for the energetic completion of shelter programmes.”