HC Deb 14 December 1961 vol 651 c617
11. Mr. Wade

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the Food Flying Squads are examined regularly for road worthiness; and if the food supplies are checked in readines for an emergency.

Mr. Vane

The vehicles of the Food Flying Squads are examined regularly for road worthiness. The squads do not hold stocks of food but have arrangements with local tradesmen to draw emergency supplies at any time of the day or night.

Mr. Wade

I hope that the emergency will not arise, but does the Minister agree that if we are to have any Civil Defence it is essential that those concerned should he properly equipped and available at short notice? Is the Minister satisfied that there are sufficient volunteers on the spot available at short notice? Secondly, with regard to stocks, is he satisfied that there are enough properly balanced stocks available if the need should arise?

Mr. Vane

The Question referred primarily to vehicles. Civil Defence would always welcome further recruits to its ranks. With regard to stocks for the sort of emergencies which the hon. Gentleman has in mind, there are ample supplies in wholesale channels, and there would be no question of being unable to draw supplies. This has been borne out by recent quite large-scale exercises which have been taking place in different parts of the country, including the hon. Gentleman's county.