HC Deb 18 January 1940 vol 356 cc204-5
25. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make with regard to the resignations from the Auxiliary Fire Service, London; and whether he has made any inquiry into the grievances that have led to these resignations?

Sir J. Anderson

I am informed by the London County Council that the statements which have appeared in the Press regarding the number of these resignations are incorrect; and in any event resignations do not necessarily arise from grievances, as suggested in the Question. I understand, however, that the London County Council are conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the organisation of the Auxiliary Fire Service and the other Civil Defence services of the Council.

Miss Wilkinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what he means when he says that resignations do not necessarily arise from grievances? In this case not only did the resignation arise from grievances but a schedule of those grievances was put in. The question I asked was whether those grievances have been considered.

Sir J. Anderson

The hon. Lady must realise that her Question referred to resignations in general and not to any particular resignation. As I pointed out in my reply, the matter is one primarily for the London County Council.

Mrs. Tate

Is it not a fact that a large number of women concerned have found it impossible to get on with the man at the head of affairs?