§ Q5. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Prime Minister whether he will re-define the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for the Home Department in relation to home defence, following recent policy decisions affecting the Civil Defence Corps and the Auxiliary Fire Service.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamIn making these policy decisions is the Prime Minister trying to kill the voluntary spirit of the people of this country? That is what he is doing.
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. and learned Gentleman has made up his mind 646 on this question which raises very difficult problems. The Government recognise that and have said it in the previous debate. These are matters best expressed in debate, and I understand that there will be a debate very shortly. Indeed, I think that it is scheduled for tonight, quite apart from anything my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House may have to announce.
§ Mr. OgdenIs not my right hon. Friend establishing a precedent with this series of questions and answer? If Northern Ireland hon. Members can ask about the defence of civilians in Great Britain does that mean that British hon. Members can ask about the defence of civilians and civil liberties in Northern Ireland?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have long laboured under that difficulty. I remember that Northern Ireland hon. Members were able to vote on Rachmanism in London but we were not allowed to vote on Rachmanism in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HeathI understand that the local authority personnel employed full time in civil defence are being stood down and that the Home Office personnel in the regions employed full time are being withdrawn. Quite apart from voluntary personnel, which categories of full-time personnel will be kept on in civil defence?
§ The Prime MinisterI would require notice of that question. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, arrangements are being discussed for a full debate, and no doubt that question will be pressed and elucidated then.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise the matter again.