asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the Civil Defence Services qualified volunteer help is being discouraged in favour of paid service, thus largely increasing the public expenditure and discouraging patriotic offers of service; and whether he will take action to prevent this?

I have no reason to believe that the practice described by my hon. Friend is at all prevalent; but, if he will send me detailed particulars of any cases that have come to his notice, I shall be glad to make inquiries and to take immediate action where the circumstances warrant it.