44. Mr. Craik Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, and to what extent, Civil Defence personnel are being used in useful 517 work of national importance, when their services can be spared from their ordinary Civil Defence work?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)The policy to be followed in the matter was set out in a circular issued to local authorities on 14th April. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of this circular. Transfers from the Civil Defence services to industry are being made in increasing numbers by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service. Further, other Civil Defence personnel are being employed without change of status on work of national importance not hitherto regarded as Civil Defence duties, but my right hon. Friend has not, as yet, asked the authorities to inform him of the arrangements made or the numbers involved.
Mr. Craik HendersonWhile I thank my hon. Friend for his reply, and for what has been done, will he realise that there is still an enormous amount of labour being lost, and will he take every step he can to see that it is utilised and not wasted?
§ Mr. MabaneCertainly, Sir.
§ Mr. LindsayWill the hon. Member realise that the circular talks about snow and coal, of which there is not much about? Will he suggest some other work of local importance?
§ Mr. MabaneIt does not talk about snow and coal as providing the only possible employment for Civil Defence personnel.