HC Deb 13 December 1961 vol 651 cc429-30
17. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Defence what steps he is taking to secure better integration between Civil Defence forces and the Armed Services, with a view to achieving greater efficiency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Profumo

I have been asked to reply.

Co-operation between the Services and the civil defence authorities at all levels is already close and is being still further developed.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Minister aware that there is little evidence of such cooperation in actual practice? Does he not agree that in view of the comprehensive nature of civil defence duties and obligations, there is a strong and striking case, not merely for co-operation and understanding, but for a greater degree of integration between the Services, on the one hand, and the admirable civil defence workers, on the other hand?

Mr. Profumo

If the hon. Member has any specific points in mind, he should write to my right hon. Friend. I should like to reassure him, however, on the points he raised originally. We are doing everything possible and we are working further for the aim of closer co-operation between the military and the civil authorities in this direction.

Mr. Paget

Has the Secretary of State considered bringing all civil defence under the command of the Territorial Army? This proposal has been put forward and it seems to make sense.

Mr. Profumo

What would happen on the outbreak of hostilities would be that the military commander-in-chief of United Kingdom land forces would take charge of the whole operation.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does my right hon. Friend consider that the efficiency of the civil defence organisation is adequate to deal with an emergency which might arise? Would it not be better to bring in as many properly-trained personnel as possible?

Mr. Profumo

That is more a question for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary than for me. I have dealt with the military co-operation side of the Question.