HC Deb 13 February 1941 vol 368 c1507
68. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make it clear that members of the Observer Corps are exempt from fire-watching duties and should not be called upon by employers to perform them?

Mr. Mabane

Action has already been taken to make it clear that members of the Observer Corps should not be called on to perform fire-prevention duties to the detriment of their present obligations to the Corps. If necessary, my right hon. Friend will not hesitate to strengthen the present Regulations.

Mr. Mander

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the widest publicity is given to the statement which he has made?

Mr. Mabane

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if many more categories are to be exempted, there will be no one to do the fire watching?

Mr. Mabane

Nobody would doubt that the Observer Corps should properly be exempted.