§ Mr. RENDALLasked the Minister of National Service whether members of the fire brigades being Grade 2, over thirty-five, and whose continued services to their brigades are considered essential, will jeopardise their present position by enrolling for national service under the new scheme pending the decision of the Ministry and the Home Office as to whether such men are to be exempted from military or other war service whilst they continue to be essential members of their fire brigades?
§ Mr. BECKThe men employed in fire brigades are already doing work of national importance. This fact is fully recognised in all the arrangements of the Ministry of National Service, and the enrolment of such men under the scheme mentioned in the question is not contemplated. Enrolments under the War Work Volunteer scheme are not accepted from men actually in employment in public utility undertakings, such as public fire brigades. I would also refer the hon. Member to my reply to-day to the hon. Member for Southwark.