§ 8. Captain Gammansasked the Minister of Labour when he expects to be able to offer definite schemes of part-time employment for Civil Defence workers, both during the on duty and off duty periods; and to what extent Government offices and establishments in London are prepared to make use of part-time labour generally?
§ Mr. BevinSome action has already been taken to make the services of Civil Defence personnel available for other work—when this is practicable—and I am discussing with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security the question of extending these arrangements. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has advised Government Departments generally of the need to make the fullest use of part-time labour, particularly for the substitution of women being withdrawn for war service. It is too early yet to estimate full results, but part-time working has already been successfully introduced in one or two Departments including my own.
§ Mr. LindsayWill the Minister hasten these discussions with the Ministry of Home Security? Is he aware that I have received a deputation this morning from Civil Defence workers who are only too anxious to give greater service and are tired of their inactivity?