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Air-Raid Precautions Service.

Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence. – in the House of Commons at on 8 February 1940.

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Mr. Davidson:

asked the Home Secretary to state the total number of married women dismissed from paid air raid precautions service in Glasgow up to 21st January, 1940, and the number of married women retained on paid air-raid precautions service in Glasgow on 28th January, 1940?

Photo of Sir John Anderson Sir John Anderson , Combined Scottish Universities

I am informed that 140 married women were included among the total number of persons who for various reasons have ceased to be engaged as whole-time paid volunteers up to 21st January, and that the number of married women remaining on 28th January was 283.

Mr. Davidson:

Is the Minister aware that a number of married women who are now retained in A.R.P. services in Glasgow were employed after a number of married women were dismissed because they were married, and in view of the fact that there are approximately 70,000 unemployed in Glasgow will the Minister take steps to collaborate with the Minister of Labour and give those jobs to the unemployed of Glasgow?

Photo of Sir John Anderson Sir John Anderson , Combined Scottish Universities

It is not a question of giving jobs or finding jobs for the unemployed. It is a question of recruiting to Civil Defence services people who are suitable and who have taken the necessary training.

Mr. Davidson:

Does not the Minister consider that out of roughly 70,000 unemployed, he could get 200 persons suitable for this type of work?

Mr. Davidson:

asked the Home Secretary to state the total number of persons in Glasgow who have been relegated from paid air-raid precautions ser vice to volunteer air-raid precautions ser vice since 1st February, 1940?

Photo of Sir John Anderson Sir John Anderson , Combined Scottish Universities

I have made inquiry and am told the number is "none."

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