HC Deb 23 November 1943 vol 393 c1422
22. Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of building trade workers, skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled, serving in full capacity in Civil Defence and National Fire Services in Scotland?

Mr. Johnston

According to my information, the total number of workers referred to is 1,933, of whom 1,452 are skilled, 118 are semi-skilled, and 363 are unskilled. As I informed the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire on 1st June, 1943, arrangements have been in operation for the temporary release of whole-time firemen for essential local work and I am presently in consultation with the Minister of Labour and National Service as to how these arrangements can be improved and made more use of. Similar consultations are taking place with the Minister of Home Security in regard to the Civil Defence General Services.