§ 26. Mr. ROBERT M'LARENasked the Home Secretary how many lives have been lost by the use of portable breathing apparatus while being worn by men in rescue or other work in noxious gases in underground workings, and at rescue stations while men were being trained; how many men have had their health permanently injured by training; and if any lives have been, or could possibly be, saved by members of rescue brigades wearing the apparatus?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODAbout twelve persons have lost their lives when using portable breathing apparatus since it was first introduced at mines. No cases of injury to health by training have been 1746 reported. It is impossible in the nature of things to estimate the loss of life which has been prevented by the use of breathing apparatus for rescue and exploring work, and for dealing with underground fires; but it is undoubtedly the case that lives have been saved and that the risks attached to such work are greatly diminished by the use of breathing apparatus. I am informed that breathing apparatus of the types used in coal mines was used on a very extensive scale for rescue work by the tunnelling companies on the Western Front, and that many lives were saved by its use.
§ Mr. M'LARENIs the hon. Baronet aware that some lives have been lost, and also that in the training several men have been injured, by the use of this apparatus?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThese supplementary questions were covered by my answer to the main question.