HC Deb 12 June 1941 vol 372 c320
34. Captain John Dugdale

asked the Home Secretary when he will be in a position to make a statement on the subject of steel helmets and respirators for Civil Defence messengers?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject, but I hope that a circular, covering this point among others, will be issued to local authorities in the near future. I will send a copy of the circular to my hon. Friend when it is issued.

Captain Dugdale

Can my right hon. Friend define a little more closely what he means by "in the near future"?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. I hope it will be in the next week or so.

Mr. Thorne

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any other material besides steel which can be used?

Mr. Morrison

We have carried out various experiments of an interesting kind, but it is felt that steel of some sort is the appropriate material to use. My mind is quite open to consider any suggestions that may come along.