§ Baroness Airey of Abingdonasked Her Majesty's Government:
When it is proposed to make an appointment of someone to harness volunteer effort in the Civil 969WA Defence field, in England and Wales, as announced in the Home Defence Review statement of 7th August 1980.
§ Lord BelsteadThe person appointed will have terms of reference requiring him to advise on, co-ordinate and stimulate the harnessing of voluntary effort at all levels in relation to civil home defence preparedness, by liaison with appropriate voluntary organisations and with local authorities and their staff. He will work closely with the appropriate Home Office officials, and will have direct access to my right honourable friend the Home Secretary and the Minister of State.
To this post it has been decided to appoint Air Marshal Sir Leslie Mayor, KCB, AFC, DL, FRAeS, RAF (Retd), the present Principal of the Home Defence College at Easingwold. Sir Leslie's present appointment will terminate on 31st December, and he will take up his new duties on 1st January. A new Principal for the Home Defence College will be appointed.
Sir Leslie's close involvement with civil defence planning during the last seven years makes him exceptionally well qualified for his new post, and I know he can count on the fullest support from the voluntary organisations and local authorities and their staff.