§ 16. Mr. Lipsonasked 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. MorrisonIf any such reduction were to be made by the local authority, it would be the consequence of a temporary 1562 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. LipsonIs 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. MorrisonI think there will be some relatively good news for my hon. Friend in an Answer which I am giving to a later Question.