HC Deb 26 February 1953 vol 511 cc2297-8
33. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made with the arrangements for setting up an experimental mobile column.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas) on 19th February.

Mr. Harvey

In view of the great importance of this experiment and of the necessity for providing this mobile column with permanent personnel, will my right hon. and learned Friend consider discussing with his noble Friend the Minister of Defence including recruitment for this Civil Defence mobile column in the Government proposals for National Service, which are shortly to be laid before the House?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have the question of the permanent staffing of the column very much in mind, and I shall note what my hon. Friend has said.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the vital necessity of equipping this mobile column with wireless for communication: and will he please look into that?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Certainly.

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