§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the establishment of wardens of the Solihull division is based on the 1931 census, when the population of the district was 37,000, whereas at present the population is approximately 60,000; and whether he will direct that the establishment shall be revised?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe establishment was fixed with due regard not only to the latest available population figures, which were those for 1934, but to all other relevant considerations. Recruitment has in fact been more than 100 per cent. in excess of the establishment fixed for the area. While the matter will receive consideration in connection with the general review of Civil Defence personnel which is to be undertaken in the light of present conditions, I am not satisfied that the increase in population by itself would justify any immediate increase of Solihull's wardens' establishment.