HC Deb 27 July 1950 vol 478 cc672-3
36. Mr. Wade

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that certain representative industrial organisations were approached by him some two years ago to appoint representatives who could be called into consultation on matters relating to civil defence in industry, he will say what steps are now being taken to implement the invitations then issued and when consultations on the relevant matters may be expected to commence.

Mr. Ede

I hope that discussions between the Civil Defence Joint Planning Staff and representatives of industrial and commercial organisations will begin in September.

Mr. Wade

Is the Minister aware that many firms are willing and anxious to cooperate with the Government on Civil Defence and are awaiting guidance—for example, on the subject of recruitment and on the question as to whether they ought to be organising separate Civil Defence units within their factories?

Mr. Ede

I made a statement some weeks ago in which I suggested that, while the matter was still in abeyance, employees of such firms would be well advised to join the local Civil Defence organisation, and that if an organisation for their particular place of employment was subsequently started they would be free to join that.

Commander Noble

Does the answer of the Minister mean that no discussions have yet taken place on shelters?

Mr. Ede

There have been some informal discussions.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in view of the international situation, these discussions should be brought forward to an earlier date?

Mr. Ede

No, I do not think that that would be possible.