HC Deb 26 October 1939 vol 352 c1561
61. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that all the officials and staff of the urban district council of Crompton, Lancashire, who are engaged in air-raid precautions or Civil Defence work have declined to accept any additional pay or allowance whatever, including the honoraria attaching to the posts of food executive officer and fuel overseer; and whether he will commend this example of public service to local authorities in all parts of the country?

Sir J. Anderson

I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the public spirit of the officers to whom my hon. Friend refers and of the many other officers elsewhere in the country who are giving wholehearted service in the same way. In the circumstances it would, I think, be inappropriate to make any such specific commendation as my hon. Friend suggests.

Miss Wilkinson

Surely the Minister would not deny that people who are most anxious to give their services but who cannot do so are any less happy?

Sir J. Anderson

I think the hon. Lady has missed the point of the question. It refers to officials of local authorities who were called upon to render service in connection with Civil Defence.