HC Deb 10 February 1942 vol 377 cc1415-6W
Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers have to blanco their web equipment at cost to themselves; that the manufacturers consider this treatment reduces the life of the fabric; and whether he is prepared to put an end to this practice?

Captain Margesson

The soldier has a special cleaning allowance to pay for cleaning material and provided it is used economically he should not be out of pocket. The respirator haversack has to be cleaned with a special material in order to maintain its waterproof qualities and the chemical content of other equipment cleaners is controlled so as to ensure that no substance deleterious to the equipment is included in their manufacture.