HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc187-9
41. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Home Secretary whether, arising from the experiences of recent air raids, he can inform the public which method of protecting windows has proved most efficacious, brown paper strips, window glue, textile netting or wire netting?

27. Mr. W. H. Green

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the danger of flying glass splinters during air raids, he will consider the advisability of further advising the public as to the efficacy of certain preparations claiming to obviate these dangers; is he aware that of the various solutions advertised some have now given irrefutable proof of their effectiveness; and, further, that at least one of these preparations has actually been the means of saving life?

Sir J. Anderson

Advice on this subject has been summarised in a pamphlet, now in the Press, which will be issued shortly to wardens' posts and for general display by local authorities. If my hon. Friend is referring to liquid preparations, I must add that they vary greatly in effectiveness; but for the guidance of the public I have arranged that a list shall be kept of preparations approved by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and manufacturers of approved preparations will be entitled to state that their preparations have been so approved.

Mr. Woodburn

As a preliminary, can the Minister in regard to the other part of the Question give an indication whether ordinary brown paper squares are efficacious, or whether textile protection is better?

Sir J. Anderson

I think that the hon. Member must have overlooked some answers I gave on the subject not very long ago. Strips of textile material, pasted at not too great a distance apart, are considered effective, and netting or fabric, with adhesive material, which can be used to cover the whole surface of windows, is also effective. Strips of brown paper are not found to be so effective as either of these methods.

Mr. Thorne

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any experience in regard to this matter? I have, and I have come to the conclusion that nothing but iron framings in front of the window will stop splinters. I have had my windows boarded up, and splinters have gone through the boards.

Mr. G. Strauss

Will the pamphlet to which the right hon. Gentleman referred contain any advice on whether windows should be left open or shut?

Sir J. Anderson

I am not sure on that point. It is well known, I think, that there are obvious advantages in leaving windows open. My windows in the Home Office were blown in last night, and some of those left open came through unscathed.

Mr. Keeling

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing the substance of the pamphlet in to-morrow's Press?

Sir J. Anderson

I will consider that point.

Mr. Mander

Will a copy be placed in the Vote Office?

Sir J. Anderson

indicated assent.