HC Deb 10 February 1937 vol 320 c408
72. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has knowledge of any gases, capable of being used in air warfare, which attack rubber; and whether the gas masks now being manufactured by the Government are made of rubber?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

Rubber is not attacked, so far as we are aware, by any form of poison gas. Certain gases in liquid form are absorbed by rubber, but the gas can be neutralized by subsequent treatment leaving the rubber unaffected. The face pieces of the gas masks now being manufactured by the Government are made of rubber.

Mr. Simmonds

Will my hon. Friend investigate the question whether it is a fact that certain foreign countries have now gases which do attack rubber?

Mr. Lloyd

My information is that that is not the case.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the confusion which exists in the public mind as to the efficacy of the Government masks, will the hon. Member have an authoritative statement made on the subject?

Mr. Lloyd

Authoritative statements have been issued, and I hope they will be studied.