§ 80. Mr. Anstruther-Grayasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the numbers and categories of air-raid pre cautions workers who are receiving higher remuneration than members of the Fighting Forces of equivalent status and responsibility; and is he satisfied that none of this work could be done by voluntary effort?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe Government have made it clear to local authorities that the employment of persons on a paid basis should not be allowed to replace the system of using suitable volunteers who are willing to undertake duty without payment. It is not possible to draw any exact comparison between the status and responsibility of civil defence volunteers and those of members of the Fighting Forces, as suggested by my hon. Friend, but the flat rate of allowance for civil 1326 defence volunteers undertaking whole-time duty was determined with due regard to Army rates of pay and allowances.
§ Sir Irving AlberyIs it fully realised that those who give voluntary service cannot be asked to give the same amount of time to the work as those who are paid?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is fully realised and that is one of the reasons why a certain proportion of persons who are under the obligation to give full-time service is required in most areas.