§ Sir N. Cooper-Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the decision to disband the Civil Defence Corps and Auxiliary Fire Service has caused widespread concern amongst serving members who in many cases are prepared to continue without bounty, travelling allowance or subsistence; and whether he will refrain from issuing the statutory order until he has made further inquiries amongst senior wardens and others.
§ Mr. EnnalsI am aware of the views that have been expressed on these matters. The Government are deeply appreciative of the spirit in which offers of unpaid service have been made. But I must point out that bounty and other payments amount to only a small fraction of the Home Defence expenditure which the Government have thought it necessary to curtail.
212WMy right hon. Friend is consulting the Associations of local authorities about arrangements for giving effect to the decision announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January.