§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information why the scheme of regional all-party committees, originally proposed by his Department, was abandoned; and, in view of the widespread desire in the constituencies for public meetings and other functions calculated to maintain a vigorous spirit in the people, he will reintroduce the scheme and use every effort to make it effective?
§ Sir E. GriggMy Noble Friend has not abandoned the scheme for regional advisory committees to include representatives of the political parties, if feasible. It is intended that one such committee shall be established for the purpose of advising the Minister's regional representative in each of the civil defence regions. It is desirable that all these committees should include representatives of local movements and other prominent persons.
The original plan for an extensive network of local voluntary committees, has been found to need simplification; but it will be possible under the new arrangements for local committees to arise in accordance with local demand, and it would then naturally be part of their business to assist in the activities to which the hon. Member calls attention.