§ 15. Lieutenant Butcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will continue to use the services of local authorities for the payment of wages and accounts payable by the National Fire Service, or whether he proposes to establish a separate financial branch of the Fire Service?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)The National Fire Service organisation includes provision for matters such as the payment of wages, accounts for goods supplied and other running expenses and I hope the transfer of this part of the financial and accounting work will be effected shortly. The payment of accounts in connection with the repair and maintenance of buildings, a function which remains for the most part with the local authorities for the present, will remain in their hands for the time being. I should like to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am to the local authorities and their officers for the great assistance they have given and are giving in this way.
§ Lieutenant ButcherIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that, during the war, separate finance arrangements will not create an enormous waste of man-power and labour? Why not carry on with the present system for the duration of the war?
§ Mr. MorrisonI naturally gave that point favourable consideration, but there is the difficulty that the fire force areas extend over many local authority areas and the conscription of men does not make the position any easier. Furthermore, local authorities are anxious to be relieved of this work. Otherwise, I should have been in favour of the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Lieutenant ButcherWill my right hon. Friend continue to watch how the situation develops?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir.