HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 cc534-5W
Sir G. Mitcheson

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now furnish an estimate of the total weekly wage cost of air-raid precautions services in the United Kingdom?

Sir J. Anderson

I assume my hon. Friend has in mind the expenditure on the pay of whole-time volunteers. As I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. H. Macmillan) on 5th October, local authorities have been asked to furnish returns which will enable an estimate of this expenditure to be framed; but these returns are not yet complete.

Mr. Groves

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that elected members of local government bodies have accepted paid positions under the Air-Raid Precautions Regulations; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to provide that members of local governing bodies desirous of accepting paid posts on air-raid precautions should resign their civic duties?

Sir J. Anderson

I would refer the hon. Member to Section 10 of the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act, 1939.

Mr. Riley

asked the Home Secretary by what authority the chief officer in charge of local air-raid precautions wardens is entitled to inform his subordinates that, if they wish to take part in local newspaper correspondence relating to air-raid precautions arrangements they must submit their letters to him for approval, otherwise they will be dismissed from their posts?

Sir J. Anderson

I was not aware that any such directions had been issued by officers in charge of air-raid wardens: but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any such case which may nave come to his notice I will inquire into it.

Colonel Wedģwood

asked the Home Secretary what is the weekly cost in the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme of the various air-raid precautions services; how many men and women, paid and unpaid, are engaged; and what additional rate this will involve on the supposition that no assistance is received from the Treasury?

Sir J. Anderson

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the additional cost of whole-time volunteers engaged in airraid precautions services. As I have indicated in reply to previous questions the returns of the personnel so engaged by local authorities are not yet complete. Expenditure on the pay of whole-time volunteers within authorised establishment, and additional to regular personnel, is reimbursed by the Exchequer.