§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that tear-gas bombs have recently been exploded in two Liverpool cinemas, and that several firemen who were called had to be treated in hospital as gassed persons; why such men are not in possession of gas-masks for use when on duty of this character; and 700W whether if these men were in possession of gas-masks why they were not used?
§ Sir S. HoareI am informed that on the occasions in question the only fireman to be treated in hospital was the attendant-fireman of one of the cinemas. Several members of the Liverpool Fire Salvage Corps, which is a private concern, also received medical treatment. The Liverpool Fire Brigade attended with smoke helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus, the use of which was not, however, deemed necessary; and all members of the Liverpool Fire Brigade concerned returned to normal duty immediately after the occurrences.