HC Deb 12 February 1942 vol 377 c1572
23. Mr. Jewson

asked the Home Secretary why the members of the rescue services at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston have had their overalls withdrawn; and will be have these restored to them as they are essential for work on damaged sites?

Mr. H. Morrison

Battledress has been authorised for the Civil Defence Rescue Service as being the most appropriate uniform for all that Service's active duty, and where it has been issued it must be worn for all work, and not reserved for parade purposes. Local authorities have been instructed that overalls must be withdrawn from personal issue when battledress is issued, though a small proportion may be retained at depots for duties in the depot. There are many urgent uses to which overalls so with drawn will be put, and for which the supply position does not warrant the provision of new overalls. New instructions on this subject are about to be issued to local authorities.

Mr. Jewson

Would the Minister consider what must be the condition of a navy blue serge battledress after the wearer has been working on a bomb-damaged site for some hours? Obviously overalls are very necessary.

Mr. Morrison

This point has been considered but the men have been provided with stout working dress and it would be a pity if the Rescue Services could not have the same smart uniform as other Services.

Commander Locker Lampson

Is it not more important to be warm?

Mr. Morrison

These clothes are warmer than the others.