HC Deb 22 June 1939 vol 348 cc2469-70W
Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the reasons why he will not allow the local authorities

to pay their employés called up for training under the Military Training Act, 1939, the difference between the pay allowed by the Government and the wages or salaries paid by the local authorities?

Sir R. Clarry

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider steps for additional encouragement of employés of local authorities called up for training under the Military Training Act by authorising local authorities to pay the difference between their service pay and their civil pay in a similar manner to their employés to whom the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act applies; whether he is aware that the Newport Corporation have already unanimously adopted resolutions to this effect in anticipation of his favourable decision; and will he approve this local action?

Mr. Elliot

As regards the general attitude of the Government on this matter and the reasons for distinguishing in this respect between militiamen on the one hand and Territorials and Reservists on the other, I would refer the hon. Member to what was said in the course of the Debate last night. As regards the Newport Corporation I fear it would not be possible to make an exception as suggested.