§ 25. Mr. Reakesasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the statements made recently by the North-West Regional Commissioner as to the likelihood of further big air raids on our industrial centres; and, in view of the resentment among Civil Defence personnel, will he stop persons in official positions publicly speculating upon matters about which they do not possess any special knowledge?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am not aware that the statements to which my hon. Friend refers have occasioned any resentment among Civil Defence personnel. Regional Commissioners have special responsibilities in the sphere of Civil Defence, and I find nothing in the speech to which my hon. Friend refers to call for the action which he suggests.
§ Mr. ReakesIs the Minister aware that the Admiralty, the War Office and the Air Force, when they desire to impart information or advice to the men in the Forces, do so by means of Service Orders? Does he not consider that a similar sensible procedure should be adopted in dealing with Civil Defence personnel instead of allowing them to be lectured through the Press?
§ Mr. MorrisonRegional Commissioners are not officers of a highly disciplined Service like, for instance, the Navy. I cannot see anything in the speech to which exception can be taken, and I think it 352 would be unfortunate if Members of Parliament resented anyone else making speeches.
§ Mr. ReakesBut can the Minister defend Regional Commissioners who speculate on things about which they know nothing?
§ Mr. MorrisonRegional Commissioners know a lot, surprising as that may seem.