HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 c508
67. Mr. Lewis

asked the Home Secretary how many full-time workers have been appointed in the Auxiliary Fire Service in England and Wales?

Sir J. Anderson

The war establishments of the whole-time paid personnel are now under review; and, pending receipt of the returns which are being furnished by fire authorities, it is not possible to give the information for which my hon. Friend asks.

Mr. Lewis

Does that mean that my right hon. Friend has not yet had any returns of the original appointments?

Sir J. Anderson

In many cases these appointments were made on the outbreak of war, and there has not been time, when circumstances have been changing, as my hon. Friend knows, to obtain full and precise information.

77. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make representations to the proper authorities that, pending the issue of uniforms to those members of the Auxiliary Fire Service who are still without them, they should be provided with oilskins from a store when on duty at fires or in wet weather, since their overalls provided are neither waterproof nor warm?

Sir J. Anderson

Hitherto the purchase of mackintoshes for the use of members of the Auxiliary Fire Service has been restricted to a small number for use by recruits in training, but it has now been decided to authorise the provision of waterproof coats for all Auxiliary Fire Service personnel whose duties are such as to require the provision of such a garment. The cost will rank for grant under the Air-Raid Precautions Act.