§ 66. Sir D. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent his policy for civil defence is still based on the assumption that the international situation has improved sufficiently for civil defence to be placed on a care and maintenance basis.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe decision last January to place civil defence on a care and maintenance basis was taken in the light of economic and international circumstances, and these are kept under review. The capacity exists to raise the level of civil defence preparations should this appear necessary.
§ 69. Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why civil defence equipment for the Birmingham area has been removed to Stoke-on-Trent and Honeybourne.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe vehicles and equipment have been recalled as a result of336W the decision to disband the Civil Defence Corps. The Home Office Stores at Honeybourne and Meir were the most suitable reception centres for this purpose. Stocks of equipment that Birmingham might need in an emergency are already held at Nuneaton.