§ Mr. Sharpasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many factories are still engaged in the production of respirators; what is the average monthly rate of production; and why such production is considered necessary.
§ Mr. EdeNone, Sir. The production of civilian respirators on Government account ceased at the end of 1944.
§ 28. Mr. Sharpasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the fact that production of civilian respirators on Government account ceased at the end of 1944, he estimated that £30,000 would be spent on respirator factories during 1946–47 and £14,000 during 1947–48.
268W
§ Mr. EdeThe estimates relate to the Home Office Respirator Factory at Blackburn, where, since the beginning of 1946, the dismantling, disinfecting and reconditioning of babies' anti-gas helmets and children's respirators withdrawn from the public to form part of the emergency reserve of respirators for the civilian population has been carried out. The work should be completed in the first six months of the financial year 1947–48, and this is reflected in the reduction of the estimate for that year.