§ 20. Mr. Cocksasked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to say what further steps are to be taken to instruct the public in the correct use of their respirators, and to ensure that they are properly fitted?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonA campaign which will be progressive and will include broadcasts, leaflets and other suitable measures has already begun.
§ Mr. CocksIs my right hon. Friend aware that many gas respirators do not fit? Will he in the next few weeks instruct wardens to give new fittings?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat must be done through local channels, and instructions have been given. If hon. Members know of places where it has not been done, I shall be glad to look into it. No doubt, if it is in their own constituencies, they will take it up with their local authorities.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that Members of Parliament are giving a suitable lead in the matter?
§ Mr. MorrisonI have communicated privately with hon. Members. I think it is, in a sense, a duty on their part to set a good example to the public.
§ 21. Mr. Cocksasked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate supplies of ointment for dealing with the effects of blister gases are made readily available to the public in case of emergency?
§ Mr. MorrisonBleach ointment has been on sale for some time, and anti-gas ointment No. 2, which is better, is now procurable through any chemist. To meet the needs of those members of the public who do not provide themselves with a supply of ointment, arrangements have been made for bleach cream, which cannot readily be carried in small containers, to be available in the event of emergency at chemists' shops.
§ Mr. CocksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Czecho-Slovakia before Munich every citizen was given a small pocket outfit? Would it not be possible to supply such an outfit to wardens and other Civil Defence workers?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will consider the point, but I think the arrangements that we have made are satisfactory.
§ 22. Mr. Cocksasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the results of recent counts made at Manchester of the number of civilians who were carrying respirators, particulars of which have been sent him; and whether he will consider the advisability of making the non-carrying of respirators a punishable offence?
§ Mr. MorrisonMy hon. Friend's suggestion has already been considered, but the difficulties in the way of an order which would be workable and enforceable are great. It has been thought 1146 preferable, at any rate for the time being, to rely on the good sense of the public once the urgency of the matter has been brought home to them by the measures which are now being developed.
§ Mr. CocksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his broadcast last Sunday has already had an excellent effect, and will be continue the good work until the percentage of people carrying respirators is raised to a much higher figure?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am much obliged to my hon. Friend. Testimonials are always grateful.