HC Deb 07 November 1939 vol 353 cc41-2W
Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Health whether he will obtain returns showing the extent to which municipal staffs have been reduced by officials joining the forces, or in similar ways; the extent to which municipal officers are now doing specifically war work in place of their normal duties; and whether he will take steps to ensure that in each municipality there shall remain a skilled staff sufficient to cope with the normal public services?

Miss Horsbrugh

In view of the present pressure of urgent work upon local authorities my right hon. Friend is unwilling to ask them for a special return on the subjects mentioned by the hon. Member. As regards the last part of the question, I have no reason to think that local authorities will fail to take such steps as are necessary to ensure the maintenance of the services for which they are responsible.