§ 36. Major Petoasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that full-time members of the National Fire Service are now receiving their calling-up papers for the Armed Forces; and whether this is in accordance with his declared policy of improving still further the fire-fighting efficiency of this service, in view of the possibility of renewed enemy air-raids over this country?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the men who were released from the Army for fire-fighting duties during the heavy raids of 1940–41. These men are members of the Class "W" Reserve, and in existing circumstances I do not feel that I should be justified in demurring to their return to the Army: arrangements have, however, been made to retain in the National Fire Service those who occupy key positions.
§ Mr. MorrisonThere is a well understood agreement between us and the Ministry of Labour whereby they are reserved in suitable categories. There is no question of any general calling-up.