20. Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, why he has issued instructions that no male person under 16 or over 70, or any girl or woman under 18 or over 60, is to be enrolled as a voluntary fireguard, and, if already so enrolled, that the enrolment must be cancelled.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe age limits restricting the enrolment of volunteers in the Fire Guard are designed to exclude classes of persons who are generally found to be too young or too old to render effective service. On the other hand, the enrolment of a volunteer need not be cancelled when he (or she) reaches the upper age limit.
Mr. RobertsonIs our man-power position so strong at the present time, that we can afford to treat these patriotic volunteers in this fashion?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is a matter of the young, to a great extent. It is a controversial point. It was suggested that we ought not to permit too young people to get into needless trouble of this kind. I had to make some sort of compromise decision on this point, and I thought I had done so to the general satisfaction.