HC Deb 08 March 1951 vol 485 c634
11. Mr. Donald Wade

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions have industrial and commercial organisations met the Civil Defence Joint Planning Staff since July, 1950, to consult on matters relating to Civil Defence in industry; and who their representatives were.

Mr. de Freitas

Twice, Sir. The organisations represented were the T.U.C., the Scottish T.U.C., the Federation of British Industries, the British Employers' Confederation, the Association of British Chambers of Commerce and the National Union of Manufacturers.

Mr. Wade

I am obliged for that information. Is the Minister aware that there is still considerable uncertainty as to whether firms should organise Civil Defence units in their own factories and among their own staff and that this uncertainty partially accounts for the delay in recruiting? Further, is he aware that there is a certain amount of feeling among Z and G reservists that they are being called upon to bear rather more than their fair share of the burden, and that it would help to create a greater sense of justice if it was known—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—that those in industry were being called upon to create a really effective Civil Defence force?

Mr. de Freitas

On the first part of that supplementary question I will make a statement soon. The second part does not arise out of the Question.