§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further plans he has to help such organisations as the Devon emergency volunteers.
§ Mr. MayhewWe have frequently emphasised the importance the Government attach to the role of volunteer organisations in the civil defence field. It was for this reason that we appointed Air Marshal Sir Leslie Mayor as the co-ordinator of voluntary effort in civil defence for England and Wales and Mr. Armstrong to a similar post in Scotland. We shall continue to encourge the assistance which local authorityemergency planning staffs can offer to organisations such as the Devon emergency volunteers and to the voluntary aid societies. Financial assistance for volunteers by local authorities is eligible for 75 per cent. civil defence grant from the Home Office.
I am glad to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the important work being done in civil defence preparations by voluntary workers throughout the country.