§ 32. Mr. CARYasked the Secretary of State for War what type of training, if any, is carried out by the War Office in the use of poison gas as a legitimate weapon of warfare; and whether chemical experts are employed to work to this end in consultation with Army authorities?
Mr. COOPERNo training in the use of poison gas as a weapon of war is carried out in the Army, but possible methods of the use of gas have naturally to be studied in connection with training in defence against gas. Chemical experts have, of course, been closely associated with the Army authorities in connection with such training.
§ Mr. CARYIn view of the atrocious effectiveness of gas in modern warfare would my right hon. Friend reassure the House that the British Army will not descend to the use of poison gas as a retaliation?
§ Sir P. HARRISIs the War Office military attaché with the Italian Army in Ethiopia watching their use of poison gas?
§ Mr. BERNAYSIs gas ever a legitimate weapon of warfare, as suggested in the question?
§ 36. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary of State for War whether any protective clothing other than oilskins are in issue for the protection of the troops from corrosive and incendiary chemicals; and whether he is aware that the German and other Governments are now experimenting with rubber clothing?
Mr. COOPERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second in the affirmative.