HC Deb 22 May 1941 vol 371 cc1561-2
16. Mr. Lipson

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Gloucester County Civil Defence authorities have reduced the supper allowance for first-aid and rescue parties and ambulance drivers, all unpaid and voluntary, from 1s. per night to 6d.; that this action is resented and compares unfavourably with the subsistence allowance of 3s. 6d. per night paid to members of the Home Guard; and will he take steps to enable the Gloucester County Civil Defence authority to restore these allowances?

Mr. H. Morrison

If any such reduction were to be made by the local authority, it would be the consequence of a temporary reduction during the months of maximum daylight of the hours of duty of the personnel to a point below that for which, under arrangements approved by my Department, local authorities may provide meals on a grant-aided basis. I am, however, looking further into the matter.

Mr. Lipson

Is the Minister aware that at present unpaid voluntary helpers have to serve 12 hours before they get 1s.? Will he reduce the time to nine hours?

Mr. Morrison

I think there will be some relatively good news for my hon. Friend in an Answer which I am giving to a later Question.

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