HC Deb 25 April 1940 vol 360 c345
39. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mr. D. H. Thomas, 132, Granton Road, Everton, Liverpool, although employed since 1935 at the Government wool-disinfecting station, is not being paid the allowance to make up his wages granted to other employés at that station on the grounds that his employment was not continuous for the six months prior to his entering His Majesty's Forces; and will he look into the case?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)

It is a condition applicable generally throughout the Service that, in order to qualify for receipt of the balance of civil pay, an unestablished employémust have served in a Government Department, otherwise than on a casual or seasonal engagement for not less than six months immediately before the outbreak of war. Mr. Thomas does not fulfil this condition, and it is not possible for me to make an exception in his favour.

Mr. Davies

Is it not possible for this man to be paid a part of the allowance granted to other employés by virtue of the fact that he was employed off and on since 1935?

Sir J. Anderson

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will realise that this is a general Service question, and that it is not open to individual Ministers to depart from the rules and practices that may be laid down?