HC Deb 26 February 1940 vol 357 cc1722-3
25. Mr. Viant

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why his Department has issued instructions to civil defence committees that male air-raid precautions workers are to work a 12-hour day and the female workers an 8-hour day; and will he give the date when the instructions were issued?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)

Whole-time paid members of the civil defence services, like the members of the other Defence Forces, must be available for duty as required. Their conditions are not comparable with those obtaining in industry, and their hours are hours of duty rather than hours of continuous work; part of the tour of duty, in present circumstances, is occupied in training, part in meal-times, and part in rest and recreation. This principle was made clear in circulars of 31st August and 7th September of last year, and in a circular dated 20th October it was laid down that the duty week of paid personnel was to be not less than 72 hours for men and 48 for women, with a period of 24 consecutive hours in each week free from duty.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Are these workers allowed to go off for meals during the 12 hours' duty? I have had complaints of people having to do the whole 12 hours without a hot meal.

Mr. Mabane

It is a matter which is largely within the discretion of the local authority. Reasonable allowance is made for meal-times.

Mr. Viant

Do I understand, then, that reasonable breaks are allowed in the 12 hours?

Mr. Mabane

Yes, for meal-times.

Mr. James Hall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, very often, this 12 hours' duty is worked without any time off for meals?

Mr. Mabane

I have no reason to believe that that is the case.

Mr. Hall

If I bring to the hon. Gentleman's notice cases of this kind, is he prepared to take action in them?

Mr. Mabane

I shall be glad if the hon. Member will bring any such cases to my notice.