HC Deb 20 November 1936 vol 317 c2076W
Mr. T. MORRIS

asked the Home Secretary when the bulk issue of gas masks for the public will commence; whether the pattern has been finally settled; and what is the estimated cost and life of these masks?

Mr. LLOYD

Apart from issues for instructional purposes, it is not proposed that the respirators which are to be made for the civil population should be issued until the need for their use arises. The design of these respirators has been settled and mass production is about to commence. It is not yet possible to give an exact figure for the cost of the respirators, nor to estimate their life, though arrangements to facilitate long period storage are being made.