§ 45. Mr. Howardasked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been taken as to a future Civil Defence organisation.
§ Following is the statement:
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)My right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland hope shortly to enter into discussions with representative associations of local authorities on the basis of providing a new 1137 Civil Defence organisation. This will consist partly of civilian static and mobile services and partly of military mobile columns trained in Civil Defence duties. The civilian static and mobile services will be attached, as far as practicable, to, and developed from, services such as the police, fire, medical and health services which in any event have other duties to perform. The military mobile columns will provide a reserve for reinforcement of local services where necessary. Recruiting for the civilian services will be on a part-time voluntary basis. Details of the scheme must await the results of the discussions. Provision will later be made for dispersal, shelter and other essential elements in an overall plan for Civil Defence in the light of the studies being made as to possibilities and requirements in this respect. My right hon. Friends hope in due course to have the assistance of the clubs and associations of men and women formerly connected with, or interested in, Civil Defence, and, indeed, of other voluntary agencies and the general public, in building up the civilian elements in the proposed new organisation.
§ Mr. HowardCan the Prime Minister add to his eagerly awaited statement all the assurances possible on two points; first, that everything practicable will be done to enlist local good will and to decentralise initiative, and secondly, that the financial arrangements will not require volunteers to defray essential expenditure from their own pockets?
§ The Prime MinisterI can give an assurance on the first point. The second point is a detailed one on finance, and I would rather see it on the Paper.
§ Mr. CooperIs my right hon. Friend aware that valuable accommodation is being used by the Civil Defence organisation in which to keep obsolete stores, although the accommodation is required for purposes connected with production, particularly for the export trade? If he is given details of such cases will he have them looked into?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid that this matter does not arise out of the Question. It had better be put upon the Paper.
§ Mr. KeelingWill the studies to which the Prime Minister referred include a study of the value of the black-out?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. All the experience of the last war will be taken into account and every point carefully studied.
§ Sir W. SmithersCan the Prime Minister assure the House that the new Civil Defence organisation will be strong enough and adequate to deal with the enemies in our midst?
§ Mr. ScollanCan my right hon. Friend tell the House what steps have been taken in the set-up of Civil Defence in future to deal with such things as atomic bombs that are likely to arrive in this country?
§ The Prime MinisterNaturally, in planning Civil Defence, all the possibilities are being taken into account.