HC Deb 30 May 1938 vol 336 c1651
49. Major Macnamara

asked the Secretary of State for War when a full complement of gas masks is to be issued to the Territorial Army?

Sir V. Warrender

Units of the Territorial Army are authorised to hold respirators on a scale of one for each man on the strength. The necessary number of respirators is available.

Major Macnamara

Is it not a fact that the issue of respirators to the Territorial Army is at the rate of 50 per battalion of 500 or 600 men, and is it not urgent that the respirators should be fully issued in order that the battalion may be trained in the use of them?

Sir V. Warrender

I am aware that there has been some difficulty, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the matter is being pressed on with as quickly as possible, that no time is being wasted and that the men are actually working overtime in connection with it.