HC Deb 06 December 1951 vol 494 cc273-4W
74. Mr. Hay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has examined the rôle of the Women's Voluntary Services in connection with preparations for Civil Defence; and if he will make a statement.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Yes On 8th June, 1951, a circular was issued to local authorities together with a copy of a memorandum on this subject. It is proposed to continue to make the fullest use of the knowledge and experience of W.V.S. as the women's auxiliary service to the Civil Defence Corps. Briefly, the policy which has been agreed by the Home Office with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, and the Ministry of Food is that W.V.S. will undertake:

  1. 1. To encourage as many of their members as possible to join the Civil Defence corps, particularly in the welfare section.
  2. 2. To give every assistance to local authorities with the organisation and training for this section.
  3. 3. To build up their own membership so that the organisation in an emergency can help as auxiliaries to the main services of Civil Defence.

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, that similar arrangements will apply in Scotland.

Forward to