§ Mr. FitzROYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that although gun deafness does not cause many cases of invalidity from the Navy there are many cases of officers and men whose hearing has been impaired from this cause; whether he is aware that the use of cotton wool as a preventative is considered by the medical profession to be of little use; whether he is aware that a mixture of plasticine and cotton wool is recommended by the Home Office in workshops 1970 and factories where noise deafness is prevalent; and whether he will see that similar material is issued by the Admiralty for use on board ship by officers and men?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am aware that there are many cases of officers and men whose hearing has been impaired for the reason given, without resulting in their being invalided from the Navy. Tests have been carried out upon various preventatives, but opinions differ very widely as to their relative efficiency. An ear paste is already prepared and issued where demanded.