§ Mr. Colmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in many instances older men are not being retained for C.D. purposes; and whether he will consider giving them preference should they desire to remain in the service, since they may find it more difficult to obtain civil employment.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe order of priority for release from, or retention in the Civil Defence (General) Services was communicated to local authorities in circulars from my Department of which I am sending my hon. Friend copies. After those members required for work of national importance have been selected for release, preference for retention among those who wish to remain will be given to those with the longest service. Length of service is, in my judgment, a better ground for retention than age alone, having regard to the often strenuous nature of the duties to be performed.
§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to make any further statement with regard to the four members of the Emergency Committee of the Finsbury Borough Council who are employed in C.D. duties.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI regret that I am not yet in a position to make a further statement on this matter.