§ 20. Mr. Brookeasked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to make a statement about the reservation of any classes of trained full-time air-raid wardens from liability to be called up for military service in present circumstances?
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service has agreed to the deferment in present circumstances of the calling up of full-time air-raid wardens of 30 years of age and over, in areas in which this is necessary.
§ 21. Mr. Brookeasked the Home Secretary whether he will re-examine the basis on which the permitted establishment of paid air-raid wardens is fixed for different areas, in view of the reluctance of wardens to take rest periods which they badly need for the maintenance of their efficiency in areas where the work falling on the wardens' service is proving particularly heavy in relation to the number of full-time wardens on the strength?
§ Mr. MabaneThe establishment of paid whole-time wardens is kept under constant review, and adjustments are made as necessary, I hope, however, that the strain which some wardens are bearing in some areas will be eased by the enrolment as part-time volunteers of men and women who are in a position to make a further contribution in this way to the national effort. In particular, the enrolment of shelter wardens, on a definite scale, has been authorised in appropriate areas, and this will have the effect of relieving the regular wardens of their present duties in air-raid shelters.