§ Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Home Secretary whether the ability of infants and young children to breathe normally, if at all, in a gas mask has been satisfactorily established; whether the period of time is known that must elapse before gas loses its harmful effects when the populace can emerge from cover with safety; what is the penetrating quality 2627W of gas; is it capable of reaching those taking cover at, say, the Underground Railway level; and what action does the Government propose to take to prevent food and water, both under cover and otherwise, becoming contaminated by gas?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe question of the protection of infants and young children is receiving attention and various alternative methods of protection are under investigation. The period of time during which poison gas continues to exercise its harmful effects depends upon a number of factors, such as the nature of the gas employed, the quantity liberated and the meteorological conditions prevailing at the time. The instructions to be issued to the public will give advice as to when it is safe to emerge from cover.
When poison gas is liberated it mixes with the air in the vicinity. This leads to a progressive dilution of the gas cloud which tends to follow the path of the normal air currents existing at the time. The question whether gas could reach the tube railways would depend upon the protective measures adopted in connection with the supply of air to the railway. Consideration has already been given to this question. The Government have considered the action necessary to prevent food and water becoming contaminated by gas. Protective measures are quite practicable and will be embodied in the instructions to be issued to the public.
§ Mr. SHINWELLasked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the purchase of gas protectors; the possibility of their effectiveness; and whether they have been tested with the newer European and Japanese gases?