§ 80. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Home Secretary who is responsible for procuring gas masks for children born in maternity hospitals; and how many such masks have been distributed from his Department?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe responsibility for supplying anti-gas helmets for babies rests with the local authority in whose area the babies are. In the case of babies born in hospitals, it is immaterial whether the application to the local authority is made by the parents or by the hospitals. The distribution of these helmets is proceeding rapidly, but I am not in a position to give separate figures for the distribution to maternity hospitals.
§ Mr. WilliamsWhen a county council have a maternity hospital, or the use of the maternity hospital in their area, is it the county council who are responsible for supplying the gas masks?
§ Sir J. AndersonIt is the local scheme-making authority.