§ 40. Mr. Tinkerasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that mineworkers are complaining about having to use the same gas mask at home that they use at work; and whether he will consider allowing two gas masks to persons who are engaged in occupations where the gas mask is likely to get covered with dust?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am advised that the dust will not affect the efficiency of the respirator, and I am afraid I cannot authorise the issue of two respirators to 585 one man. I understand, however, that in many areas metal containers have been provided for masks which are taken down the mine.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when a miner comes home with his gas mask and uses it, his face is covered with coal? Surely a collier is not expected to undergo that inconvenience. I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to reconsider this question.
§ Sir J. AndersonOther people have raised a similar question. The general public have been provided individually with a gas mask, in every case at the public expense, and surely there is very little ground for complaint.