§ Sir R. Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the weekly wages paid to the various sections of workers attached to the London heavy rescue squads from 1st January, 1944; whether any additional wage advances, or bonuses, have been given and, if so, what the amounts are and the conditions attached thereto.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe pay rates of men in the main grades in the Heavy Rescue Service in London since 1st January, 1944 (exclusive of Post War Credits) are shown in the table below:
affected and to the Press on 6th and 7th September respectively. This notification was followed by a circular to the local authorities concerned on the 19th and a fuller Press announcement on the 21st.
§ Mr. H. Brookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the manner of announcing recent reductions in the Civil Defence services has caused apprehension that the Government's purpose is to disperse and abandon the whole Civil Defence organisation completely at an early date; 441W and whether, therefore, he will make a statement on the future of Civil Defence.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo, Sir, I am not aware that the recent announcements have caused apprehension or have in any area brought the strength of the services below reasonable safety. On the contrary, the changes appear generally to have been welcomed. The scale of preparation has consistently been adapted to changes in the probable nature and scale of attack and further changes may be introduced as the situation permits.