HC Deb 28 March 1946 vol 421 cc572-3
50. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the institution after 3oth April of voluntary release in the N.F.S., he will now permit former N.F.S. personnel serving with the Forces, to take service with the N.F.S. into account in calculating their age plus service group numbers.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Does my right hon. Friend fully appreciate the unfairness of the situation which has arisen, that men who served in the N.F.S. during the war and were called up for the Forces still have to serve whereas those not called up and who remained in the N.F.S. do not?

Mr. Isaacs

Any such extension given to men in the N.F.S. would have to be given to other persons similarly.

Hon. Members

Why not?

Wing-Commander Millinģton

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is something almost approaching a precedent for what the hon. Member has asked, in that any members of the Armed Forces who did previous N.F.S. service and who were temporarily released in order to go back to the Fire Brigade during the blitz have had that period of temporary release counted towards their service?

Mr. Isaacs

That, with other considerations, has had repeated attention in this matter, but because of the difficult consequences that would ensue elsewhere, with problems arising, we do not think we can make any change.