§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Home Secretary whether he will call a conference of his regional commissioners in order that the experience gained in the working of the Civil Defence arrangements can be pooled and some of the anomalies, unnecessary activities, and consequent expenditure may be obviated; and will he also consider the advisability of giving more latitude to the administering authorities in deciding the requirements of varying urban and rural districts within their areas?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am in constant touch with the regional commissioners, whom I consult on matters of substance affecting the organisation and working of Civil Defence, and am able to secure full advantage of their knowledge and experience of varying local conditions.
849WWith regard to the second part of the question, the varying needs of different areas have always been taken into account in fixing the scales of Civil Defence preparations; and, as my hon. Friend will see from the circulars recently issued, copies of which I am sending him, I have already asked all local authorities concerned to review their establishments of personnel in the airraid precautions and auxiliary fire services with a view to making any necessary adjustments having regard to local requirements.