HC Deb 26 October 1939 vol 352 cc1549-50
37. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Minister of Health why doctors attached to first-aid posts are not supplied with service gas-masks, steel helmets and protective clothing; and whether he will have this deficiency remedied forthwith?

Mr. Elliot

Arrangements have been made to supply doctors attached to all first-aid posts with civilian duty respirators, and an issue of light protective clothing has been made to every post. As regards steel helmets arrangements have been made to supply them to doctors attached to mobile first-aid posts and those arrangements are now being extended to other first-aid posts. It is not considered necessary to supply general service respirators for this type of work.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that doctors are instructed to proceed at once in case of air raid to these first-aid posts, and in the case of a gas raid it will be impossible for them to do so unless they are provided with the proper equipment for themselves and their assistants who have to go out?

Mr. Elliot

As I have said, there is an issue of proper protective clothing at all posts.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that that is not the case, and that many doctors have been sent civilian gas masks?