HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 cc225-6W
Sir R. Clarry

asked the Home Secretary whether he is considering the compulsory enrolment of women for fire-watching in those areas where volunteers cannot be obtained in sufficient numbers; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

Miss Wilkinson

Whilst my right hon. Friend would hope that generally the existing position will be maintained, under which fire prevention duties are undertaken by men assisted by women volunteers, there may be areas in which it may be necessary to require women to undertake them. When this is so, the assistance will be sought of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service in whom wide powers are now vested to direct persons to do part-time duty in any of the Civil Defence Services.

Major Heilgers

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that the Manor House, Bury St. Edmunds, the largest house in the town, has been acquired for the Auxiliary Fire Service; what portions of it are to be the residence of the divisional fire officer and his family; how many rooms are being allotted to him; and for what purpose it is intended to use the remainder of the house;

(2) the strength of the Auxiliary Fire Service in Bury St. Edmunds; and the numbers of men and women employed, respectively, in fire-fighting personnel and office staff?

Mr. Mabane

The use of the building in question, now known as the court house, has been secured for the National Fire Service. It will be used for the headquarters of the Bury St. Edmunds Division of No. 13 Fire Force. The strength of this division is 133 whole-time men, 598 part-time men, 35 whole-time women and 23 part-time women; of these, 6 whole-time men and 16 whole-time women are employed on administrative duties at the divisional headquarters. I should perhaps explain that this division covers an area of about 1,012 square miles, in which there were previously 13 separate fire brigades, each with its own separate administration. The building affords office accommodation for the headquarters staff, and, in addition, three rooms with kitchen and bathroom, are allotted as living accommodation for the Divisional Officer and his family.