HC Deb 08 August 1940 vol 364 cc411-2
63. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Home Secretary, in veiw of the danger from splinter, the relative safety factor of windows treated with adhesive paper strips and those treated with rubber or other translucent solutions; and whether he will prohibit the sale of any solutions that fail to pass a Home Office test, since they vary considerably in their efficiency?

97. Mr. Purbrick

asked the Home Secretary whether recent information goes to prove that strips of paper and transparent paper gummed over windows are of little use as a means of preventing glass from flying in the case of air raids?

Sir J. Anderson

As I stated on 1st August, in reply to the hon. Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds), recent experience confirms the view of my technical advisers that textile netting or transparent film affixed to the whole surface, and strips of adhesive tape or other strong material give the best protection. Of these, textile netting or transparent film affixed all over the surface of the glass is preferable. Strips of adhesive tape or of stout paper will give good protection if they are fixed at intervals of not more than six inches. Liquid preparations for painting on the glass do not in all cases give the desired protection and at best they do not usually last long. One of the difficulties of controlling the sale of such preparations is that a certificate of approval could apply only to the sample submitted, but I am considering in what form I can best give guidance to the public on this matter.

Sir J. Lucas

Will the right hon. Gentleman have that information broadcast, because a great many people do not know it?

Sir J. Anderson

I am, as I have said, considering how I can best give guidance to the public.

Mr. De la Bère

Would it be possible to expose sham preparations wherever possible? There are many sham preparations.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman take action against certain manufacturers of paper substitutes that are no use at all for this purpose, some of which I have sent to him recently?

Sir J. Anderson

I am giving the whole matter consideration. It presents certain difficulties.

Sir Irving Albery

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking steps to see that a standard preparation is provided?

Sir J. Anderson

There are two difficulties about that. The first is the difficulty of fixing a standard, and the second is the difficulty of seeing that the standard is adhered to in practice.