HC Deb 23 August 1945 vol 413 cc762-3
21. Mr. Wilkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider an early change in Government policy whereby service in the Police War Reserve and the N.F.S. of men who have now been transferred to the Armed Forces of the Crown will be counted for the purpose of demobilisation.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 21st August to the effect that this matter has been fully considered, and I would not feel justified in re-opening it now.

Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

Will the right hon. Gentleman make one concession to enable firemen who were recalled from the Forces to fight in the London blitz to count that service as part of their war service?

Mr. Isaacs

I think that point has been looked into, but I will undertake to look into that again.

Mr. Wilkins

Is it not a fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, when he was Minister of Labour in the Coalition Government, did in fact say that he would reconsider the position of members of the police and Fire Service who have been called up?

Mr. Isaacs

I have not had my attention drawn to that matter, but I will look into it.

Mr. Sorensen

Has this matter been considered by this Government? We have a new Government which should reconsider it.