§ 71. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War what fire-fighting organisations have been established in the home Forces; and whether any of these are earmarked for co-operation with Civil Defence in an emergency.
§ Mr. HeadThere are in this country 26 whole-time War Department fire brigades and eight Army fire brigades. There is close co-operation between these brigades and the National Fire Service, and they would be available to help the Civil Defence authorities in an emergency.
§ 72. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are in force for co-operation between the home Forces and Civil Defence in an emergency.
§ Mr. HeadArmy planning staffs maintain close liaison with Civil Defence planning staffs on the subject of the Army's rendering third echelon support to Civil Defence. If the Civil Defence first and second echelons in any given area are unable to deal with the situation, it is accepted that the Army is available to give third echelon assistance.
The extent to which such assistance will be made available can only be decided at the time in the light of the seriousness of the Civil Defence situation. Plans for the Army to render third echelon support to Civil Defence have been drawn up, and joint exercises are held from time to time.