HC Deb 12 June 1941 vol 372 cc353-4W
Mr. Burke

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to pay dependants' allowances to men compulsorily enrolled for Civil Defence on the same scale as that paid to members of the Armed Forces?

Mr. H. Morrison

Married men, and single men with similar responsibilities, who, on being called up for Civil Defence, are posted to serve away from home may receive a lodging allowance not exceeding 24s. 6d. weekly, if they continue to maintain their home and dependants in the home area.

Mr. Burke

asked the Home Secretary whether voluntary part-time members of the Civil Defence forces, who are now to be compulsorily enrolled for full-time service, will have the same right to pensions, etc., as members of the Armed Forces; and whether they will be able to apply for postponement of service on grounds of hardship and for grants in aid, as members of the Armed Forces arc able to do?

Mr. Morrison

Members of the Civil Defence services, whether enrolled voluntarily or compulsorily, are eligible for compensation under the definition of Civil Defence volunteers in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme. All persons liable under the National Service Acts to be called up for Civil Defence have the right to apply, on the ground of exceptional hardship, for postponement of their liability to be called up. Men called up for Civil Defence will be eligible to apply for war service grants, in the same way as men enlisted into the Armed Forces.

Mr. Burke

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain employers, who supplement the pay of employés called up into the Armed Forces, have indicated that they do not propose to follow this practice in the case of men who are compulsorily enrolled for Civil Defence; and what steps is he taking to indicate that Civil Defence is equally essential to the country and its personnel should receive equal treatment?

Mr. Morrison

My attention has not been drawn to any intention on the part of employers generally to differentiate in the treatment of their employés called up for service with the Armed Forces and for Civil Defence, respectively. Although this is a matter which must be left to the discretion of the individual employer I should deprecate very strongly any differentiation against the Civil Defence worker.