NATIONAL SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 23143, 17 December 1938, Page 17

NATIONAL SERVICE

BRITISH PREPAREDNESS HO UNDUE DISTURBING OF INDUSTRY (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, December 15. Replying on behalf of the Government to the House of Lords debate on a national register. Lord Birkenhead said that the register was being prepared in such a way that it could be quickly completed in emergency without unduly disturbing industry. All interests would be fully represented on local committees. It was intended that men engaged in key industries who were skilled should not be taken from, their occupations if that could be avoided. Men who undertook to serve in national services, such as tire brigades, would certainly be retained in those services, at least during the early stages of emergency. FIRST AID POSTS. Giving figures with regard to air raid precautions, Lord Birkenhead said that on October 31 the number of air raid wardens required was 420,000 men and 100,DUO women. The number recruited was 380,000 men and 85,839 women For first aid posts the number required was 140,000 men and 220,000 women, and the number recruited was 117,295 men and 194,440 women. Lord Birkenhead added that there would be no pay during the time they were in voluntary services, but if such recruits were called upon to do full time they would be paid on the same basis as auxiliary fire brigades. AIR FORCE RECRUITING. Air Force recruiting had been quite satisfactory, while in regard to the general army 220,000 were required, and there was a deficiency of about 20,000. For the Territorial army 223,300 men were required, and the number recruited was just over 200,000. THE ROYAL NAVY. Dealing with the Navy, Lord Birkenhead said that the total strength of officers and men in 1935 was 95,000, while the strength to-day was 119,000 officers and men. There was a serious shortage of artificer candidates, but the figures were improving. \Ve are well aware of the retribution which will fall swiftly and surely on lethargy and slowness, but I can assure the House that we are pursuing a policy which will enable Britain to rise again if it is ever threatened,” he said.

REVIEW IN MARCH PROPOSED GOVERNMENT’S MOTION. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 16. (Received December 17, at noon.) The debate on the proposals for organising voluntary national service will be resumed in the House of Commons on Tuesday and a motion has been tabled by the Government that “ the House, recognising that the taking of measures to protect the lives and homes of the people at all times transcends in importance all party differences, welcomes the Government’s decision to rely upon voluntary services of the people but recommends that the results of the scheme for national service proposed by the Government bo reviewed by the House at the end of March.”