§ 50. Mr. Pooleasked the Lord Privy Seal up to what age is it intended the gas-bags for very young children should apply; how many of these have been issued to date; and when is it expected the issue will be completed?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Sir John Anderson)This protective device is intended for babies under two years of age. Contracts for the manufacture of the various components have been placed but no issues have been made. I cannot say precisely when the issue will be completed.
§ Mr. PooleWhat provision is being made for children between two and four-and-a-half, inasmuch as the smallest type of gas masks manufactured is available only for children from four-and-a-half to five?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe smaller pattern of ordinary gas masks is in production for children of those ages.
§ Colonel NathanWhen the question of issue arises will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the question of issuing these gas bags to infants and children's hospitals for infants under two years?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir.
§ 51. Sir Ralph Glyn (for Sir ThomasCook)asked the Lord Privy Seal how many schemes have been submitted by rural district councils in respect of the Fire Brigades Act, 1938; and how many have so far been sanctioned?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe Fire Brigades Act, 1938, does not provide for the submission of schemes; but, if my hon. Friend is referring to the submission of air-raid fire precautions schemes under the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937, the position is that 75 rural district councils have submitted such schemes, though they are not under a statutory obligation to do so.
§ Mr. R. GibsonIs Scotland included in those figures?
§ Sir J. AndersonNo, England only.