§ 27. Mr. Ian Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now make a statement with regard to the progress achieved so far in the formation of Civil Defence mobile columns.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeA start has now been made with the formation of an experimental mobile column. The commandant has been appointed. Negotiations for the acquisition of a suitable site, at Epsom, are practically complete. I am not yet in a position to make any statement about the manning of the column.
§ Mr. HarveyIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this has been going on for a long time, and that until this mobile column is formed it will be quite impossible to develop this highly important aspect of Civil Defence? Could he bring some acceleration to bear upon the proceedings?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am getting on with the matter as quickly as I possibly can.