HC Deb 10 February 1931 vol 248 cc203-4
62. Mr. WHITE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether proposals are under consideration for reducing the establishment of the chemical warfare school at Porton?

Mr. SHAW

The chemical warfare school, which trains officers and noncommissioned officers as regimental instructors in defensive measures against gas, has become the anti-gas wing of the small arms school. No reduction of establishment is contemplated.

Mr. MANDER

Is it not a fact that we have undertaken not to make use of chemical warfare?

Mr. SHAW

I believe that there is a Treaty of that kind, but from countless speeches made by peace advocates like myself it is known that gases are in existence, and I am certainly not going to be a party to anything that will prevent our people from knowing how to guard against them.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is there a Christian chaplain attached to this school?

Mr. SHAW

I understand that at all the Army establishments the men have a choice of preachers from pretty well every religion.

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