§ 53. Mr. R. Harrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if plans are now any further advanced for the use of helicopters by Civil Defence units.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir David Maxwell Fyfe)It is recognised that helicopters would be of great value to Civil Defence in the conditions of a future war. The actual use of helicopters for experiment and training has been hampered hitherto by considerations of supply and cost and I cannot yet say when it will be possible to give priority for expenditure for this purpose.
§ Mr. HarrisCan we take it that the Home Secretary has in mind that if Civil Defence can be supplied with the latest and most up-to-date equipment, there is all the greater likelihood of the public generally taking a greater interest in Civil Defence?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am well aware of that point.