§ 26. Mr. Thomas Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it is proposed to pay war gratuity to N.F.S personnel in the borough of Romford, Essex.
§ Mr. EdeArrangements have been made to accelerate this work in all areas, and I hope it will be completed at a reasonably early date.
§ Mr. MacphersonIs my right hon. Friend aware that some of these N.F.S. personnel have been waiting for as long as nine months for payment and that the continued delay in paying gratuities is creating a very unfortunate impression in the minds of a body of men who rendered the most invaluable service during the war?
§ Mr. EdeAs I have previously explained to the House, my Department is not wholly responsible for this matter. We have to check up the periods of service with the local authorities who were 2075 the employers of the men prior to the establishment of the National Fire Service, but I am hopeful that everybody will be paid by the end of May.