HC Deb 11 December 1941 vol 376 c1658
33. Mr. Liddall

asked the Home Secretary how many people are employed at the headquarters of the London Regional Commissioners in connection with air-raid precautions; and how many of these are of military age and medically fit?

Mr. H. Morrison

The numbers of persons employed at the headquarters of the London Regional Commissioners are 345 men, including 26 members of the Armed Forces, and 324 women. Of the men not members of the Armed Forces 81 had reached the age of 18 on 27th November, 1941, but had not then attained the age of 41: most of these men have not been recently medically examined.

Mr. Liddall

Will the Minister say why these people have not had a medical examination?

Mr. Morrison

These persons are reserved on the grounds of their administrative ability, and we cannot undertake to guarantee that all persons in important public services shall not be of military age.

Mr. Liddall

Is it impossible to get men over military age?

Mr. Morrison

I can assure my hon. Friend that there is a considerable shortage of administrative ability.