§ 22. Mr. Levyasked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to make civilian training for certain branches of air-raid precautions work compulsory; and whether he can now make a statement on the subject?
§ 24. Mr. Simmondsasked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to make any specific announcement regarding the completion of the personnel of Civil Defence establishments by compulsory enlistment, where the voluntary principle has proved inadequate?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave on 4th July, to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon).
§ Mr. LevyIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that air-raid centres are getting their full complement of workers, and, owing to the length of time that has elapsed and they not having succeeded so far, what action does he propose to take?
§ Sir J. AndersonIf my hon. Friend has any impression that there are large and serious gaps in many areas, I can assure him that that is not the case. There are still gaps that we should like to fill. We are considering how the principle of compulsion could be applied in this case, but the workers are part-time, and we have to remember the effect upon the interests of other vital services.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs my right hon. Friend aware that in some centres where there are gaps public opinion is so far in advance of Government policy that there is serious dismay?
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that wherever these gaps exist there are Tory representatives, which show their incapability?