§ 24. Sir Anthony Kershawasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will advise local authorities to adopt the international civil defence insignia and identity card laid down in the Geneva convention.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNot at present, but it is under consideration.
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§ 44. Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider some shorter title than the civil defence community co-ordinator for the local warden.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI shall certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, but he will be aware that the title is recommended by the report of the working party on the standardisation of training of civil defence volunteers. A copy of the report is in the Library of the House.
§ 63. Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will advise industry on effective shelter designs to protect its employees at their place of work.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Department has issued general guidance on the effect of nuclear weapons and on protective measures. Application or development of this guidance in specific areas is a matter for those primarily concerned, in this case my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
§ 65. Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what minimum qualifications are required of persons applying for the post of local authority county emergency planning officer.
§ Mr. Giles ShawGeneral guidance is available in Home Office circular No. ES 1/1972, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The appropriate qualifications for any particular post is a matter which properly falls within the discretion of local authorities.
§ 30. Mr. Woodcockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will advise local authorities to provide insurance cover for all civil defence volunteers when on duty.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThis is a matter for local authorities to decide. I am not aware of any difficulties, but if my hon. Friend has any particular aspect in mind I shall be pleased to consider it.
§ 76. Mr. Gerald Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide guidance for local authorities on travel and subsistence rates for civil defence volunteers.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the same question from my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Thorne) on 31 January, at column 236.
§ 77. Mr. Gerald Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes any new action to encourage local authorities to recruit and train civil defence volunteers.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Home Office working party on the standardisation of training of civil defence volunteers has recommended a standard pattern and syllabus of training. The views of the local authority associations which have commented on the draft report are being considered and the final report is expected to be issued soon. A successor working party will consider the development of standardised training material.