asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a report was circulated stating that the Government proposed to dispense with the services of the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There are no proposals at present under consideration to dispense with the services of FCA personnel currently employed full-time on security duties. Due, however, to increasing strengths in the Permanent Defence Force the requirement for the services of FCA personnel who have been rendering assistance in the performance of security tasks has been reviewed. In present circumstances it is not regarded as necessary to call additional members or to replace members who seek their release from these duties.