§ 41. Mr. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how far the Civil Defence establishment for the south-western counties is below strength; and what steps he is taking to bring it to an efficient footing rapidly.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeOn 31st October, 1956, the strength of the Civil Defence Corps in the South Western Region was 36,397. This was 78 per cent. of the provisional peace-time establishment. A national Civil Defence Week, designed to stimulate recruiting, has just been held and I do not think it is yet time for another special effort. Civil Defence Corps authorities have a permanent and continuing responsibility for recruiting and training divisions of the Corps.
§ Mr. HaymanHow do the numbers in the South-West compare, either better or worse, with other areas?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI could not give the actual number without notice but I should think that they show a fair representation.
§ Mr. YoungerCan the Home Secretary give any hope that there is likely to be a comprehensive statement from the Government in the very near future about their current views on Civil Defence? Is he aware that there is a good deal of confusion in the public mind as to what the Government now intend, and that that is bound to have an effect on recruiting?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThat may well be; we shall have an opportunity to debate the matter when another White Paper comes forward. Concerning confusion in the minds of the public, all I can say is that there never has been a voluntary effort in peace-time comparable to these figures.
§ 42. Mr. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to accelerate the preparations for Civil Defence in view of the dangerous international situation.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe Government have this matter under constant review but do not consider that the present situation calls for any special acceleration of Civil Defence preparations.
§ Mr. HaymanMay I say that the country will be shocked at that complacent reply? Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not feel that to embark on a war with Civil Defence at about 75 per cent. of establishment is a very great risk?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI can only repeat what I said just now, that this is the greatest voluntary effort there has 1930 ever been in peace-time, and the number of volunteers is the highest there has ever been. Although 78 per cent. may be below establishment, we have got rid of many people who did no work at all.