HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 c848W
Sir W. Smithers

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the action of air-raid precautions workers at Richmond, where 18 people have agreed to continue to serve either without payment or at reduced wages; and whether he will make an appeal to workers in all areas to follow this example?

Sir J. Anderson

I am aware of the action taken at Richmond. There is no obligation upon a Civil Defence volunteer who gives whole-time service to accept payment. But this must be a matter for the volunteer himself, and I do not think that any general appeal would be appropriate.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the services in France corresponding to the Civil Defence services in this country are voluntary; and, if so, whether he will consider making an appeal to the citizens of Great Britain also to adopt the voluntary system?

Sir J. Anderson

According to my information, Civil Defence services in France, as in this country, an; organised on the basis of a combination of paid and unpaid services.

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