§ Mr. Alan Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to make an appointment of someone to harness volunteer effort in the civil defence field in England and Wales as envisaged in his statement on 7 August.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe 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 me and the Minister of State.
To this post I have decided to appoint Air Marshal Sir Leslie Mayor, K.C.B., A.F.C., D.L., F.R.A.e.S., R.A.F., (Retd), the present principal of the Home Defence College at Easingwold. Sir Leslie's present appointment will terminate on 31 December, and he will take up his new duties on 1 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 that he can count on the fullest support from the voluntary organisations and from local authorities and their staff.