§ 17. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when voluntary release from the N.F.S. will be instituted; and if he has any statement to make as to the future of the Service.
§ Mr. Ede1 have decided, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, to revoke the order freezing the National Fire Service on 30th April next. The Government realise that after that date the Service may, in some parts of the country, be temporarily under strength, but it is felt 2008 that the difficulties involved are not sufficient to justify the continuance of the wartime restrictions on leaving the Ser vice. It will be more convenient if I deal with the second part of the Question at the same time as 1 answer Question No. 2, at the end of Questions.
§ Major Guy LloydDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the announcement will be received with delight in Scotland, where the only regret will be that it was not made before?