§ 37. Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be the functions of the proposed new Civil Defence Tactical School.
§ Mr. de FreitasThe Tactical School will fill the gap between the three Technical Training Schools and the Civil Defence Staff College, where the higher direction of Civil Defence is studied by 631 senior officers. It will provide courses in tactical and operational subjects for intermediate grades of officers of the various Civil Defence services.
§ Mr. NicholsonWill the hon. Gentleman tell us what is the cost per pupil per week?
§ Mr. de FreitasI will look into that, but I may say something about it on the next question.
§ 38. Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department where and when the Civil Defence Tactical School will be established; how long the average course will be; and how many students will be accommodated at any one time.
§ Mr. de FreitasConstruction of the Tactical School to accommodate 50 students has just been started in the grounds of the Civil Defence Staff College at Sunningdale Park. I hope that courses will begin next year. The syllabus and length of the course are now being considered.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerCan the hon. Gentleman say what sort of ranks will be eligible to go to this school, as far as Civil Defence and the Fire Service are concerned?
§ Mr. de FreitasThe grades we have in mind are those of chief warden, inspector of police and divisional officer of the fire service.
§ Mr. NicholsonMay I now have an answer to my earlier supplementary question?
§ Mr. de FreitasI will consider it. One reason for the school being built in the grounds of the Staff College is that they will be able to share some accommodation between the commandants and thus reduce the overheads.