§ Sir A. Knoxasked the Minister of Labour whether he can give an estimate of the number of fully equipped and trained part-time personnel in the National Fire Service who will be called up; and how these men will be replaced?
§ Mr. BevinNo estimate can at present be given of the number of part-time firemen who may become available for military service in the near future. In the case of key men in the National Fire Service, as in the case of key men in other Civil Defence Services, who cannot be replaced immediately, their part-time Civil Defence duty will be taken into account when applications for the deferment of their calling up are being considered. As regards replacements, use will, if necessary, be made of the power to direct persons to join this Service.