§ 18. Brigadier Prior-Palmerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether as a result of the experience which has been gained in the training of Civil Defence Volunteers, he is satisfied with the length of the basic general courses or whether any alterations can be made with a view to speeding up their training.
§ Mr. de FreitasThe arrangements for basic training are now being examined. It is important that the courses should be as comprehensive as possible, but my right hon. Friend has come to the conclusion that some of the syllabuses can be shortened. He hopes to issue revised syllabuses soon.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerDid the hon. Gentleman see the two letters which appeared in "The Times" on 17th February, in which it was suggested that these courses could profitably be reduced from 32 weeks to 12 weeks by the omission of unnecessary detail? Will he read them if he has not already done so, and take action?
§ Mr. de FreitasI have read them, and many other documents also, and they are part of the cause for this decision.