§ Mr. ALDENasked the Home Secretary whether it is now possible to allow the special constabulary below the rank of inspectors to have shrapnel helmets when engaged on night work during raids; and, 1399W if so, whether they can be allowed to keep their helmets at home, as in the case of officers?
§ Mr. BRACEWe have now had experience of thirty air raids and no constable, regular or special, has received in the course of them an injury from which a steel helmet would have protected him. Having regard to this fact and to the importance of not incurring unnecessary expenditure, it has been decided to make such an issue only of helmets as will ensure that all constables, regular or special, employed on street duty when a raid is in progress or is likely to occur—and also members of air-raid relief parties—shall find available steel helmets if they desire to use them. An increased issue has recently been made with this object in view.