§ 7. Mr. LECKIEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing number of suicides through gas stoves, he will make inquiries as to the practicability of introducing into coal-gas at the place of manufacture some pungent or disagreeable chemical agent which would render it more difficult for anyone attempting suicide in this way to do so?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe practicability of introducing irritant or odorous material other than that provided for in the Gas (Carbon Monoxide) Order of 1922 was considered by the Committee on Deaths from Gas Poisoning in 1930, but after 1532 reviewing the objections to such addition the committee decided to make no recommendation in this respect. In accordance with another recommendation a central advisory committee was set up by the industries concerned, and I am satisfied that this committee would acquaint me with any development which would render further action practicable.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks it would have any effect if these poor, deranged wretches could take some more painful method of leaving this world?