(2)The appropriate Government may by order require any local authority to take, within such period as may be specified in the order, such measures as may be so specified, being measures which are in the opinion of that Government necessary for the protection of persons and property under the control or within the jurisdiction of such authority from injury or damage, or for ensuring the due maintenance of the vital services of the authority, in the event of hostile attack and thereupon-(a)it shall be the duty of the local authority to comply with the order,(b)the funds of the local authority shall be applicable to the payment of charges and expenses incidental to such compliance, and(c)priority shall be given to such compliance over all other duties and obligations of the local authority.
