§ 29. Mr. Simmondsasked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that he can fill all non-paid vacancies in the Civil Defence services by voluntary recruitment and that this method will continue to suffice in the early future?
§ Sir J. AndersonFrom all points of view it is essential that the Civil Defence 878 services should be manned to the greatest possible extent by unpaid volunteers. I see no reason to doubt that the objective can be realised if local authorities will take energetic measures to bring home to the public the needs of services in which further unpaid workers are wanted and will arrange proper rotas so as to make the best use of the time which the part-time volunteers can give.
§ Mr. SimmondsWith reference to the recent appeal for 250,000 non-paid workers, is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a widespread feeling that an inadequate drive is being made at the moment to make the appeal a success? Would he consider whether more should not be done both through the wireless and the Press to make this appeal effective?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir, but I think my hon. Friend should bear in mind that the need varies greatly from place to place and that circumstances also vary. I am certain that the most effective kind of appeal is one made locally with due regard to local conditions.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the paid A.R.P. personnel at Clacton-on-Sea was a sound investment?
§ Sir J. AndersonI think the experience at Clacton-on-Sea has been very heartening from every point of view, and does great credit both to the paid and unpaid personnel.