HC Deb 21 June 1955 vol 542 cc1127-8
35. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the duties of the Regional Civil Defence Officers; how many there will be in Scotland; and when they will be appointed.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

It is not proposed to appoint such officers in Scotland. The duties they will perform are already undertaken by my right hon. Friend's Departments in Edinburgh and by the two zone controllers, who have been in the saddle for some time. The Civil Service staff employed is reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

Mr. de Freitas

Since Civil Defence is essentially a United Kingdom, or at least a Great Britain, problem, what link is there between English and Welsh regional officers and these mounted Civil Defence officers in Scotland?

Mr. Stewart

I should explain that there is no need for the appointment of these officers in Scotland, where Civil Defence is the direct responsibility of the Secretary of State, who makes contact with the authorities in England.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Simmons.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Mr. Hubbard

On a point of order. Are we to understand from the interruptions by hon. Gentlemen opposite that some resentment is being expressed about the length of Scottish Questions?

Mr. Speaker

I did not hear any interruptions, but hon. Members who represent Scottish constituencies have been singularly sparing in their supplementary questions today, and we are very grateful.