§ 28. Mr. Perkinsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the excellent work done by men employed by the builders' emergency organisations in Gloucestershire in rescue squads; and what steps he proposes to take in order to have adequate rescue squads available in view of the proposed transfer of all these men under 41 years of age to McAlpines, Wimpeys, Higgs and Hill, Costains, and other similar firms?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir, I am aware of the valuable service which is being given by these men as part-time members of the local rescue parties. But here, as elsewhere, the needs of whole-time industrial work of the greatest urgency must take precedence over part-time Civil Defence duties. Losses must be made good either by volunteers or by the direction, under Regulation 29BA, to part-time duty of men not required or not available for industrial work elsewhere.
§ Mr. LipsonWill my right hon. Friend at least see that men over 41 are taken out? Otherwise this service will completely break down.