Civil Defence

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 December 1958.

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Photo of Vice-Admiral John Hughes-Hallett Vice-Admiral John Hughes-Hallett , Croydon North East 12:00, 11 December 1958

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the institution of a long service medal for members of the Civil Defence Corps on a basis analogous to the medals given to the ambulance service or special constabulary.

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

Representations that such a medal should be instituted have been received, and are being considered. I am not yet, however, able to make any statement in the matter.

Photo of Vice-Admiral John Hughes-Hallett Vice-Admiral John Hughes-Hallett , Croydon North East

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he would agree that it is both customary and desirable that those who give long service to a great voluntary movement of this nature should receive some form of public recognition?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

Yes, Sir. That is partly why I have the matter under examination.

Photo of Mr Frank Allaun Mr Frank Allaun , Salford East

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the statement by Lieutenant-Colonel Cowley, a Civil Defence officer, that enrolling for Civil Defence by local businessmen and shop assistants would have a considerable bearing on their remaining in their normal employment in their home locality in time of war, was made with his authority.

Photo of Mr David Renton Mr David Renton , Huntingdonshire

No. Sir. My right hon. Friend is informed that Lieut.-Colonel Cowley made it clear that he was expressing his personal opinion.

Photo of Mr Frank Allaun Mr Frank Allaun , Salford East

Nevertheless, does that statement represent the Minister's view? Is he aware that it is being widely regarded as a form of blackmail to get people to join the Civil Defence? Will he instruct his officers not to use this undesirable form of inducement in future?

Photo of Mr David Renton Mr David Renton , Huntingdonshire

No, Sir. That statement does not represent Government policy, as I said in the main Answer. I am not aware of any form of blackmail of the kind which the hon. Member suggests. The official recruiting leaflet on Civil Defence says: Your part-time service as a member of the Civil Defence Corps does not relieve you from any legal requirement to which you might be subject in war-time, e.g., service with Her Majesty's Forces or liability to take or remain in other work of national importance.