§ 40. Sir Cyril Entwistleasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that it has been established by scientific re- 610 search that sandbags, if treated with a preservative, are strengthened, have a much longer life, and are protected against bacterial mildew or insect attack and the liability to be gnawed by rodents; and whether he will consider the withdrawal of the circular he issued on the 18th May to local authorities, prohibiting them submitting the sandbags in their possession to a process of rot-proofing?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am aware that sandbags which have been rot-proofed would remain serviceable in use for longer periods, but I am advised that the substantial cost of rot-proofing would be justified only if it were intended that the bags should be stored ready-filled. It is not intended that any of the bags issued to local authorities should be stored ready-filled; and local authorities were therefore advised, in the circular to which my hon. and learned Friend refers, that sand-bags issued to them by my Department should not be rot-proofed, and that the cost of rot-proofing any other sandbags in their possession would not be allowed to rank for grant under the Air-Raid Precautions Act. I see no reason to withdraw that circular.
§ Sir C. EntwistleIs my right hon. Friend aware that even when the bags are not filled, but are stored unfilled, they are liable to very rapid deterioration, particularly if they are stored in a damp place; and that, if this proofing is allowed, it will save a great deal of waste of money?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe question of expense was taken fully into account in coming to the decision referred to. As regards the first part of the supplementary question, the specification for these sandbags provides especially that the material shall be dehydrated, and, if the bags are stored by local authorities according to the instructions given, I am advised that they will keep without deterioration for a very long period. As regards the second part of the supplementary question, the decision given was arrived at after very careful consideration on the basis of expert advice from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
§ Sir C. EntwistleIs my right hon. Friend aware that the elimination of moisture in the manufacture of the bags confers no rot-proof qualities whatever; 611 and, if I send him data on the subject, will he kindly give the matter reconsideration?
§ Sir J. AndersonI shall certainly be glad to look into any information that my hon. and learned Friend can supply, but the advice I have had is not in accordance with what he says.
§ Mr. LeonardCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the cost of rot-proofing?
§ Sir C. EntwistleIt is ¾d., as against 3d. for each bag.
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is not the figure submitted to me.