§ 41. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consider formulating a general scheme of remuneration for various categories of those employed in civilian defence in preparation for an emergency; and also, whether any general basis of remuneration has been decided upon for those so employed in time of war?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Sir John Anderson)In peace time the personnel of the air-raid precautions services is engaged on a purely voluntary basis, although certain organising officials employed whole-time are being paid. As regards whole-time service in war, I would refer the hon. Member to the announcement which I made on 16th February last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South Nottingham (Mr. Markham).
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesIs my right hon. Friend aware that at the present time there is great disparity in the rates of pay and emoluments for services in these categories, and that while a large number, especially women, are giving time to the State, many of them at great sacrifice, others are doing purely nominal work and getting quite substantial emoluments; and will he consider having the Treasury review the whole matter in view of the dissatisfaction that is felt in some parts of the country?
§ Sir J. AndersonCertainly, I am not aware of the circumstances to which my hon. Friend has just referred. My answer was to the effect that, as regards volunteers, no payment is made in time of peace and that rates of pay for war service were settled some time ago. As regards paid employés, scales have been suggested to the local authorities, and I have no reason to think they are being exceeded.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many full-time paid officials there are in these services now?
§ Sir J. AndersonNot without notice.