§ Mr. Grovesasked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with air-raid precautions and the measures now being adopted, he is considering the necessity for the installation of poison-gas filtration apparatus for the introduction of purified air into gas-proofed rooms or chambers or decontamination centres for the general protection of the occupants, and particularly for the protection against poison gas of the aged, invalids, children, and foodstuffs, and for the protection of governmental, civil, and council servants whilst engaged in their duties during air-raids, the execution of which might be hampered by the wearing of gas masks; and whether any such suitable apparatus has been brought to the notice of the Department concerned and is being considered?
§ Mr. LloydThe installation of mechanical ventilation in gas-proofed accommodation is normally only considered necessary—
- (a) where the number of persons accommodated is greater than will permit of an allowance of 75 square feet
1572 of surface area (floor, ceiling and walls) per person; and - (b) where the exacting nature of the work which is being carried on makes special ventilation essential.
Except in these circumstances, the usual methods of gas-proofing without mechanical ventilation are considered to afford adequate protection against gas. A procedure exists whereby private manufacturers may be licensed to affix to filtration plants of their own design a Home Office mark certifying that the apparatus has been tested and conforms to a standard specification of performance. Two such designs are under investigation.