§ 39. Mr. Moyleasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has completed his examination of the problems involved in military assistance for the civilian community as a normal service activity; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BoydenThe study has not yet been completed, although the consultations referred to in the last Defence White Paper (Cmnd. 3540) are proceeding satisfactorily. I hope to be able to make a statement before the Summer Recess.
§ Mr. MoyleCan my hon. Friend say whether the discussions with the C.B.I. and T.U.C. have ended in any conclusion and will he make a statement in the near future?
§ Mr. BoydenWe do not expect to have any difficulty with the T.U.C. or the C.B.I.
§ Mr. YoungerIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that this has already been enormously successful, particularly the work done by Scottish Command over the last few years and culminating in work done in repairing the gale damage done in January this year?
§ Mr. BoydenI am grateful. Yes, discussions are going on and arrangements are being made in an attempt to make things at the receiving end simpler and more effective. From the Army's point of view no revolutionary process is involved.