§ 21. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds he has refused sanction for the purchase of 5o mackintoshes for the use of Air-Raid Precautions workers in inclement weather recently made by the emergency committee of the Deptford Borough Council; and whether, as many of these workers are not in a position to purchase these necessary articles, he will reconsider the matter?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 31st October to a question by the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves). I regret that under present conditions I cannot undertake to reconsider the matter.
§ Mr. GreenIs the Minister aware of the deep resentment felt by these local A.R.P. workers at this niggardly and unjustifiable refusal, and would he be surprised to learn that the efficiency of these workers may be seriously impeded if the refusal is persisted in?
§ Sir J. AndersonI do not think the measures that have been taken to provide equipment for Civil Defence workers can fairly be described as niggardly. They have been criticised in certain quarters on the score of extravagance. I think the tact is that we have taken a wise middle course.