§ Captain Pooleasked the Minister of Health whether he will, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, take steps to safeguard the interests of the smaller local authorities and the maintenance of their essential services arising from the raising of the age of reservation of many of their staffs; and whether he is aware that small authorities are in a difficult position in recruiting suitable labour to replace men who may be called up for military service?
§ Mr. E. BrownOn the general issue involved I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 13th March to my hon. Friend the Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Higgs), and I am sending him a copy of the circular subsequently issued to local authorities. I may add that, in deciding what recommendation I can make to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service in individual cases, special consideration is given to the difficulties of smaller authorities.