HC Deb 19 October 1944 vol 403 cc2519-20
26. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will arrange for special holidays with pay for members of the Civil Defence services in London, in view of the fact that leave was stopped during the normal summer holiday season.

Mr. H. Morrison

Leave, which is always subject to operational needs, was stopped in London only up to the end of July. This did not prevent the normal period of leave from being taken in the current year. Arrangements were made in August, applying to areas in Southern England which were mainly affected by the flying bomb attacks, as designated by the Regional Commissioners, under which whole-time members recommended by their doctor as being in need of recuperative rest could be given one week's special leave with pay, to enable them to spend the period at one of the country Rest-houses run by the Civil Defence Workers' Health Department of the British Red Cross and St. John War Organisation.

Mr. Astor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the immense strain that was imposed on the nerves and physique of Civil Defence workers, especially the women, and could he not, therefore, extend the facilities for them to get a special holiday now when the situation is better?

Mr. Morrison

They are covered by the answer I have given. I think we have been reasonable in the matter.