Industry

HC Deb 12 April 1951 vol 486 cc1183-4

41. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will, in view of the serious effect on the recruitment of volunteers for the Civil Defence Corps caused by the absence of any declaration of policy on Civil Defence in industry, make an announcement of his intentions on this subject.

63. Brigadier Medlicort

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to state the policy of the Government in relation to Civil Defence arrangements in industry.

65. Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement regarding the plans of His Majesty's Government for Civil Defence in industry.

Mr. de Freitas

As a result of the discussions which have been held between the Civil Defence Joint Planning Staff and both sides of industry and commerce, substantial agreement has been reached about the way in which industrial Civil Defence should be organised. Some further consultations, notably with the local authority associations, must be held before the plans can be published, but it can be expected that these will be circulated through the employers' organisations and the trade unions and to local authorities next month.

Mr. Awbery

Is my hon. Friend aware that employers are urging their employees not to volunteer for Civil Defence until the Government decide on their policy on industry, and that this is having a detrimental effect on voluntary recruitment to the Corps?

Mr. de Freitas

I am not aware of that, and if it is so it is certainly contrary to public policy. These men and women should now be trained and the training can be undertaken by their local Civil Defence units.

Mr. Awbery

But is my hon. Friend aware that employers are anxious to know what is the Government's policy for protection of works and factories, and what employees will be expected to do?

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been causing great anxiety in the City of Bristol among people of all political opinions? While I am glad to hear that the matter is now going forward, may I ask whether he is aware that recruiting is likely to be handicapped until a decision is reached about the Home Guard?

Mr. de Freitas

That is another matter.