HC Deb 14 November 1950 vol 480 cc1549-50
32. Mr. Sidney Marshall

asked the Minister of Labour when he will be able to give direction as to Class Z reservists being allowed to volunteer for Civil Defence duties.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) on 18th September, in which I pointed out that, as already announced, Z and equivalent reservists aged 40 and over may enrol for Civil Defence duties and that those between 30 and 40 may, with some exceptions, enrol for the more active branches of Civil Defence.

Mr. Marshall

Is the Minister aware that a large number of these men would also like to serve in the special constabulary? Can he arrange with his colleague the Home Secretary that they should have that privilege?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot arrange that. But if the hon. Gentleman will look at the very full Question put by the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter), which was fully answered and set out the whole facts, and also get a copy of the Civil Defence leaflet which is available, he will get all the particulars.