HC Deb 26 March 1942 vol 378 c2139
40. Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now satisfied with the system of promotion in the Auxiliary Fire Service?

Mr. H. Morrison

Under the provisions of the National Fire Service (General) Regulations, promotions in the Service are made by the Fire Force Commander, the Regional Commissioner or the Secretary of State, according to the rank to be filled. Selection Boards have been established at the various levels to ensure that the claims of candidates are fully and impartially considered and I have no reason to believe that the system is not generally working satisfactorily.

Dr. Thomas

Cannot the Home Secretary now institute some method of examination instead of the rather unsatisfactory method of local selection which has given rise to some dissatisfaction in the past?

Mr. Morrison

We will, of course, keep that point in mind, and it may be a point for the future. I am not sure that we have reached the stage when it would be practicable.