§ 67. Mr. Brookeasked the Home Secretary whether a part-time warden in London, fulfilling his regular duties in that capacity, who has not hitherto been called on to do fire-watching at his place of employment, can be compelled to fire-watch there; whether he is then automatically relieved of his responsibility to the warden's service, or whether there is any tribunal for determining if he is more needed as a fire-watcher in the one place or as a warden in the other?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonPersons who became Civil Defence wardens before 18th January, 1941, are exempt from compulsory fire prevention duties at the places where they work if they have continued and still continue to perform the duties of a warden for not less than 48 hours a month. Similarly, persons directed by the Ministry of Labour and National Service to become wardens under Defence Regulation 29BA are exempt. Persons other than head and senior fire guards, who have voluntarily become wardens since 18th January, 1941, are not exempt; but local authorities have, however, been instructed that when allotting duties to wardens and other civil defence workers account should be taken of any fire prevention duties which they are required to perform under the Fire Prevention Orders.
§ 69. Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Home Secretary why the obligation to perform fire prevention duties, under the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order, 1942, is restricted to British subjects; and whether he will consider extending this obligation, subject to suitable modifications, to foreign nationals resident in Great Britain?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am considering this question.
§ 70. Dr. Summerskillasked the Home Secretary whether women working with the Home Guard and undertaking duties hitherto performed by men will be exempt under the Fire Watching Order?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe women in question are not members of the Home Guard, and in view of the shortage of Fire Guards, I should not feel justified in exempting them from fire prevention duties.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn the event of their becoming members of the Home Guard, will they then be exempt?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not looking for further exemptions. I am looking for further Fire Guards and do not want to extend the channels of escape.
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War is considering the status of these women at the present time with the idea that they should become in some way members of the Home Guard?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am aware of everything that my right hon. Friend has said.
§ 71. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of arranging that women engaged on part-time work in war industries at night, in addition to their regular daytime employment, shall be exempted from fire-watching on the same basis as women engaged in part-time Civil Defence duties?
§ Mr. MorrisonI have arranged for this matter to be considered at the next meeting of the National Advisory Council for Fire Prevention.