HC Deb 20 January 1949 vol 460 cc325-6
42. Squadron-Leader Kinghorn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use is being made, in building up the new Civil Defence Organisation, of the experience gained by the German Civil Defence Organisation in the late war and of the post-war U.S. experiments.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

Full account is being taken of all available information of this kind in the preparation of plans for the organisation of Civil Defence, in the examination of Civil Defence problems and in the making of arrangements for Civil Defence training. Some of this information has been embodied in publications issued by the Home Office of which I am sending copies to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Squadron-Leader Kinghorn

Can my right hon. Friend say if he has also investigated the results of the Allied bombing of Japan in the recent war?

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir. My advisers on this subject take very great pains to keep themselves informed of all research wherever it may be conducted.

43. Squadron-Leader Kinghorn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the organisation to be administered by the scientific adviser for Civil Defence matters.

Mr. Ede

In accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, the conduct of research into scientific problems which arise in connection with Civil Defence planning is undertaken by existing research organisations such as those of the Ministry of Supply and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. It is the responsibility of the Chief Scientific Adviser, working in close association with the Scientific Advisers to the Service Departments and the scientific authorities in other Departments, to define and bring to notice in the appropriate quarter the Civil Defence problems requiring research, and to ensure that all research for Civil Defence is properly co-ordinated. In addition, he himself undertakes, in collaboration with the Departments concerned, research of the kind described by the Advisory Council as operational research. To assist him in his duties the Chief Scientific Adviser has a staff of five scientists.