§ 24. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War to name the local authorities who have opposed the holding of Territorial Army Camps, or have declined to grant extra leave for them, or to pay for such extra leave.
§ Mr. ShinwellOnly two local authorities have so far refused to grant any facilities for their employees to attend Territorial Army camps. These are Congleton Rural District Council, Cheshire, and Farnham Urban District Council, Surrey. In most cases reported to date, the facilities include extra leave with pay.
§ Mr. KeelingWould the right hon. Gentleman, first of all, answer the last part of the Question, that is, to name authorities who do not give pay for extra leave? Secondly, is he proposing to take any action against unpatriotic and recalcitrant local authorities? —
§ Mr. ShinwellI think that I gave the hon. Member a full answer. So far as I am aware I have given him the facts. As regards taking action against what he calls the recalcitrant local authorities—
§ Mr. KeelingI said unpatriotic as well.
§ Mr. Shinwell—recalcitrant and unpatriotic authorities, I have no power to do so.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreIf the right hon. Gentleman is now in a position to speak more freely than hitherto, could he indicate the political complexion of these authorities?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not called upon to indicate the political complexion of local authorities who decline to agree to a request made by the War Office.
§ General Sir George JeffreysWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making it compulsory for all authorities to grant this leave, and also consider making the cost chargeable to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am bound to say that, on the whole, the local authorities are doing very well. If only two local authorities have been troublesome I think that indicates the very high and widespread measure of their patriotism.