asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make on Civil Defence despatch riders?

I issued a circular at the end of June authorising the setting up of an outdoor Civil Defence messenger service in place of the less formal system which has hitherto prevailed, and the provision of uniform and equipment in appropriate quantities, materially in excess of those hitherto authorised. Regional Commissioners are at present in consultation with the various authorities in their regions with a view to settling appropriate establishments for the service. In the main, the service will, it is hoped, be recruited on a part-time basis from the younger members of the population, for whom the nature of the work has a special attraction.

Can the Minister give any idea of the number of people who are involved in this matter?

No, Sir, not without notice.