HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 c990
31. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied with the results of appeals made by local authorities for recruits for Civil Defence; and whether he contemplates the introduction of compulsory measures without further delay?

Sir J. Anderson

In the areas of most local authorities the results of the recruiting campaign to date are decidedly satisfactory. In some cases, however, there is still need for further recruits, and I am now considering, as a matter of urgency, how the principle of compulsion can best be applied in order to meet the needs of those areas where local authorities have not yet succeeded in completing their establishments and reserves in all the Civil Defence services.

Sir P. Hannon

When will my right hon. Friend be able to make a definite statement on this matter? It is a pressing matter.

Sir J. Anderson

I hope to be able to do so at a very early date.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is the Home Secretary aware that all defence in this country, to be efficient, must be military defence?