HC Deb 12 June 1940 vol 361 cc1258-9
29. Mr. Cocks

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the number of authorities who are concerned with Home Defence, he will consider appointing a Minister, who might be styled Deputy to the Prime Minister, to take charge of the whole problem of Home Defence, with the necessary executive powers, including the control of civil forces and authorities?

Mr. Attlee

If a separate Minister were appointed for Home Defence there would be overlapping between his functions and those of the Service and other Ministers. I appreciate, however, the great importance of ensuring the close co-ordination of Home Defence activities, and arrangements have in fact been made which, in my opinion, will satisfactorily secure this object.

Mr. Cocks

In view of the fact that five different Departments—the Home Office, the Ministry of Health and the three Service Departments—are involved in Home Defence, who is to give decisions in cases where more than one of the Departments is involved, unless the country is under martial law?

Mr. Attlee

It is rather difficult to distinguish sometimes between Home Defence and other questions.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Minister aware that, in fact, the military pay little or no attention to the representations made to them by the Local Defence Volunteer Force, and that there has been no response at all to such representations in many parts of the country?

Mr. Attlee

That is an entirely different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will raise it at the appropriate time?

Sir A. Knox

Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter serious consideration, as the idea is a very valuable one, and something of the sort is absolutely necessary?

Mr. Attlee

The matter is under constant and urgent attention.