§ Sir A. Lambert Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the subsistence allowance now paid to fire-watchers is, on the average, just double that paid to the Home Guard for similar periods of duty, although the duties of the Home Guard are normally more onerous than those of fire-watchers; and what action he intends to take to remove this differentiation which is causing grave discontent in the Home Guard and leading to numerous resignations?
§ Mr. SandysI consider that the rates of subsistence allowance paid to the Home Guard are adequate for the purpose for which they are intended, namely, to meet extra cost incurred in the provision of food when on duty. I am, however, reviewing the position in the light of the recent decisions in regard to fire-watching.