HC Deb 20 May 1943 vol 389 c1216
23. Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicks

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Civil Defence units quartered in the country employ casual labour, which otherwise would be available for the agricultural industry, as domestic servants; and whether he will put a stop to this additional handicap on home food production?

Mr. H. Morrison

Much of the routine domestic work at headquarters of units of the Civil Defence Reserve is performed by members of the units themselves so far as essential training and operational requirements permit, but a small additional complement of other domestic staff, including cooks and kitchen staff, is essential for the efficient and economical running of units. I am not aware that staff is being engaged for this purpose to the detriment of agriculture.