HC Deb 01 May 1968 vol 763 cc1094-5
28. Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any members of the Royal Observer Corps in Scotland will be displaced as a result of the reorganisation of the Corps.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

As I told the hon. Member in my letter of 19th April, 1968, 107 of the 319 R.O.C. Posts in Scotland are being closed, and distances will prevent all the surplus volunteers being absorbed into the posts which are being retained. Consultations are now in progress with individual volunteers to determine which will be surplus.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I am sure the hon. Gentleman appreciates the value of local voluntary effort in the Royal Observer Corps. Can he give an assurance that every effort will be made to accommodate those who are displaced in neighbouring posts, if possible?

Mr. Rees

Within operational requirements, I will willingly give that assurance.

Mr. Ramsden

Is it a fact that in connection with the run-down of the Royal Observer Corps considerable public funds are to be spent on demolishing the substantial concrete structures in which they operate? If this is so, is it really sense?

Mr. Rees

I would require notice of that question. It is one that has not come my way.