§ 69. Mr. Simmondsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent gloves have been issued to members of rescue parties?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)Local authorities have been authorised to provide leather gloves for rescue parties on the basis of one pair of gloves for each working member of the party. Where they cannot obtain them locally, the Department is in a position to make supplies available.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs my hon. Friend aware there is a grave deficiency in these gloves, and that rescue parties have largely ceased using picks and shovels, because it was found that these tools injured those who were trapped under the debris, and that they are now using their bare hands and suffering many injuries? Could my hon. Friend see that some specific action is taken to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. MabaneIf my hon. Friend will bring to my notice typical cases, I will look into them.