§ Mr. M. JONESasked the Home Secretary whether the gas-mask which is being 2886W advised by the Government for use by the civilian population will be able to resist the action of suffocating vesicant and corrosive gases; for how long the masks will offer protection in use; and whether materials are available for the making of such gas-masks in quantities for the whole civilian population, with quantities sufficient to allow for reserves and for deterioration and damage?
Captain WALLACEThe Government will only recommend the use of respirators which will afford protection against all known forms of gas which it would be practicable to use in war, for periods believed to be sufficient for the wearers to reach safety. Persons who might have to remain at work in gassed areas would need respirators giving a longer period of protection. It is not at present possible to quote precise figures of the duration of protection of different types of respirators. There is no reason to anticipate any difficulty in the supply of materials for the full number of respirators required.