§ 70. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Home Secretary whether it has recently been 1611 found advisable to change the type of smoke-filter in the gas-masks in use in the armed forces of the Crown?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI have been asked to reply. The design of the respirator in use by the armed forces of the Crown is the subject of continuous investigation, and improvements in the design of the filter are incorporated in new production from time to time.
§ Miss WilkinsonIn view of the fact that the Minister has now said that there have been improvements in the design of the filter is he aware that his right hon. Friend was saying previously that the filter was so good that it needed no improvement?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe Home Office and the War Office work in the closest co-operation with a view to producing the best possible filter. There is no perfection in these matters. If they can be improved, they will be so improved.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerMay I ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, if improvements are obtained, they will also be incorporated in the civilian gas-masks?
§ Mr. ChurchillWe might have an answer to that.
§ Miss WilkinsonIf there is no perfection in this matter, does it not mean that there is no efficacy? How can there be limited perfection in a matter of this kind?