asked the Minister for Defence if he will state how many local authorities have appointed civil defence officers, specifying the local authorities which have done so and the number of persons so appointed.

In so far as I have not yet approved of any proposal for the appointment of a civil defence officer, no such officer has so far been appointed. Local authorities were asked to submit their proposals for the appointment of civil defence officers. Proposals have been received from all the authorities in question except two, and are under examination. In a number of instances, I am not in entire agreement with the proposals submitted and I am arranging for the managers to be asked to agree to alternative arrangements to those suggested by them.

Is the Minister aware that his Parliamentary Secretary, either three weeks or a fortnight ago, approximately, gave us to understand that in addition to the small staff at headquarters there were already staffs in local authorities and is the position, then, that there are as yet no such staffs?

There are staffs at headquarters, but none of the appointments has been made in the country areas, as such, yet. The appointments will be made at an early date.

Will the Minister indicate the two authorities that did not send proposals?

Two country authorities—in some county down the country.