§ Q6. Mr. Deedesasked the Prime Minister why it is proposed to transfer the Royal Observer Corps from the Royal Air Force to the Home Department.
§ The Prime MinisterThere has been no decision affecting Ministerial responsibility for the Royal Observer Corps. Ways of improving the efficiency of the Warning Organisation, which includes the Royal Observer Corps, are under consideration, but as I have said no decisions have yet been reached.
§ Mr. DeedesWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in considering what the ultimate state of this Corps will be, that it attaches enormous importance to its association with the Royal Air Force and that deep concern will be felt if this long tradition were broken?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the right hon. Gentleman knows from his experience at the Home Office, that Department is already and in his time was responsible for operational policy and control of the Royal Observer Corps and meets the bulk of the Corps' costs, but, whatever changes may emerge as a result of these considerations, the Corps will obviously continue to have close links with the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. MacdonaldWhy has there not been much consultation with the members of the Corps up to now? Will my right hon. Friend ensure that, before any final changes, they will be consulted?
§ The Prime MinisterThere have been consultations with the senior officers of the Corps on certain of the changes. This is now being studied, and the process of consultation will be continued wherever appropriate.