§ 19. Mr. Naylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among officers in charge of local air-raid precautions stretcher parties, whose duties involve the control of a large number of men, at receiving no more than the £3 per week paid to the members of the rank and file; and whether, bearing in mind the effect such treatment must have upon discipline and efficiency, he will consider the expediency of raising the rate of pay of officers charged with this special responsibility?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)I am aware that proposals have been made for a higher rate of pay for leaders in certain Civil Defence services including first-aid parties. This is a general question which affects more than one service. It is now under examination and I am not at present able to make any statement.
§ Colonel WedgwoodIs the question of reducing wages also being considered—and developing the voluntary system?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe question of developing the voluntary system is certainly being considered, and the House knows that it has been decided to effect certain reductions in whole-time personnel and to recruit a corresponding number of additional part-time workers in their place.