§ 12. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now state the results of his discussions with county civil defence officers on the use of units of the Voluntary Civil Aid Service.
§ Mr. LaneMy impression is that civil defence officers are fully aware of the use which may be made by local authorities of voluntary organisations, including units of the National Voluntary Civil Aid Service.
§ Mr. BlakerBearing in mind the support which my hon. Friend has so rightly said the Government wish to give to the voluntary services, including the VCAS, has he yet been able to assess the extent 2038 to which local authorities intend to make use of such units, bearing in mind also the circular issued by his Department some months ago?
§ Mr. LaneYes, Sir. I had a chance to do that at a conference of civil defence officers at the end of last month. I believe that already wide use is being made of such units. The local authorities are very anxious to increase their links with the voluntary movement. I particularly mentioned that in the speech I made on that occasion.
§ Sir D. RentonI welcome my hon. Friend's acknowledgment of the sustained efforts of the VCAS. Is he aware that its efforts would be even more valuable if it could be given a modicum of training equipment? Will he please consider that?
§ Mr. LaneI am grateful to my right hon. and learned Friend for what he said. I shall certainly consider it. It is not a point that has been brought to my attention until now, but I shall look further into it.
§ Sir T. BeamishIs my hon. Friend aware that some local authorities are making excellent use of the VCAS whereas others are making very little or no use of it? Is it not most unsatisfactory that the national pattern should be so patchy?
§ Mr. LaneYes, Sir. I hope that what I said at the conference at Eastbourne may help in this direction. If there are particular black spots that my hon. and gallant Friend could quietly tell me about, I shall be glad to look further into them.