HC Deb 02 October 1939 vol 351 cc1661-2
20. Mr. Dingle Foot

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on21st April, 1939, the clerk to the Essex County Council, on the instructions of the appropriate committee, informed all members of the county permanent staff that the- council intended to make up the full salary of those who volunteered for national service and were subsequently called up; whether he is aware that this pledge has not been honoured and that the county council now proposes to institute a form of means test involving questions regarding personal income and expenditure, in order to decide what amount of civil pay, if any, is to be granted in individual cases; and whether he will represent to the county council the undesirability of going back on the undertaking given to its staff?

Miss Horsbrugh

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Birkenhead (Colonel Sandeman Allen) on 26th September.

Mr. Foot

Is it not undesirable that the county council should go back on a definite undertaking given to its employes?

Miss Horsbrugh

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer given on 26th September, I think he will see that the council has its own rights to make its own decision.

Mr. Foot

Is not the decision nevertheless undesirable when a definite undertaking was given to the employes of the council on 21st April, and the council subsequently goes back on that decision?