§ 32. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to prepare the armed forces to fill the gap left by the abolition of the Civil Defence organisation and particularly to provide mobile units capable of providing rescue and other essential services in cases of major national disaster.
§ Mr. BoydenWe have recently been reviewing our arrangements for assistance by the Services in peacetime emergencies to see how they can be improved. Details of the arrangements are included in a pamphlet covering all aspects of "Military Aid to the Civil Community", which is now being printed and will be issued shortly to local authorities and other interested organisations.
§ Mr. HallWill not the hon. Gentleman agree that in many cases the Armed Forces are not deployed either in the place or in the form in which they can give the best and most effective assistance immediately in time of national disaster? As the Government seem determined to destroy voluntary organisations, is it not essential that the Army is so deployed that it can go to the aid of the local authorities at such times?
§ Mr. BoydenIt is a pity that the hon. Gentleman was not present during the debate last night. I sat through it all, and there was not a single criticism of this sort made. Such points as effected the Services were answered effectively by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department.