asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his regulations allow men serving sentences in R.N. detention barracks to be made to wear gas masks while doubling.

Mr. Dugdale:

The regulations for the Royal Naval detention quarters neither prescribe nor forbid instructions in gas training. It is an ordinary feature of gas training throughout the Navy to require officers and men to take violent exercise, including doubling, while wearing gas masks, both to familiarise themselves with these conditions and to test the masks. I understand that similar drills are carried out in Naval detention quarters. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member has any reason to believe that this practice is being abused in Royal Naval detention quarters, I shall be glad to investigate the matter.

Can me Parliamentary Secretary saw whether a man's state of health is taken into account before this is done?

Mr. Dugdale:

Most certainly.

Would the Minister be prepared to extend this to divers' seaboots as well as gas masks?