Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence – in the House of Commons on 1st October 1942.
I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the men who were released from the Army for fire-fighting duties during the heavy raids of 1940–41. These men are members of the Class "W" Reserve, and in existing circumstances I do not feel that I should be justified in demurring to their return to the Army: arrangements have, however, been made to retain in the National Fire Service those who occupy key positions.