§ Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Home Secretary what plans he has in prospect to unify and co-ordinate the professional fire-fighting services at present controlled by local authorities, with a view to greater uniformity of equipment, terms of service. and status, in any area in which they may be called upon to assist for the promotion of greater efficiency in dealing with enemy action?
§ Mr. MabaneI am afraid I am not quite clear from the terms of my hon. Friend's Question what he has in mind. I should, however, be happy to discuss the matter with him.
§ Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary whether officers and cadets in the Air Training Corps are exempted from fire-watching duties?
§ Mr. MabaneOfficers and cadets in the Air Training Corps are not exempted from fire prevention duties under the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order if between the ages at present prescribed. My right hon. Friend is advised that commissioned officers of the corps are members of the Armed Forces of the Crown and as such would be exempted from compulsory enrolment under the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order.
§ Mr. Naylorasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among voluntary fire watchers at being asked to signify on the official form issued by local authorities their willingness to attend for duty in any part of the area; and, in view of the possibility of many withdrawals, from the voluntary services owing to this condition being imposed, whether he will take steps to have it removed from the official form of application?
§ Mr. MabaneI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 2nd April to my hon. Friend the Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne)