HC Deb 13 June 1940 vol 361 cc1366-7
30. Mr. Keeling

asked the Home Secretary whether he has seen the advertisements, appealing specially to women, of Benin products, claiming that they are a protection against mustard and other liquid gases if applied beforehand and an antidote if applied after contamination and that leading authorities are agreed as to their vital importance; and whether these products have been examined with a view to prohibiting advertisements making false claims?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir; and the matter has already been receiving the careful attention of my Department. A sample of the cream mentioned in the advertisement has been tested by my expert advisers and it was found that the claims made for it could not be substantiated. The claims made in the advertisement are unwarranted, and in fact tests show that this product is not so good as bleach paste for treating the human skin after contamination with liquid mustard gas. I am considering what is the best method of keeping a check on the publication of advertisements making claims in respect of A.R.P. devices or methods of treatment

Mr. Keeling

Has my right hon. Friend anything to say on the specific criticisms of bleach in the advertisement?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir. The use of bleach in the manner officially recommended has proved completely safe and efficient in every way. The test carried out by my advisers proved that bleach paste is a more effective method of dealing with human skin after contamination with liquid mustard gas than this specific which is advertised.

Mr. Garro Jones

How long does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate it will take for him to put a stop to these statements depreciating the use of officially recommended material and extolling the use of material that is of no use; and will he put an effective stop to it?

Sir J. Anderson

I am consulting my legal advisers upon it now.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take into account some of the products, supposed to be paint, which it is said will prevent glass being broken, and which, I think, comes in the same category?