§ Q2. Mr. Lubbockasked the Prime Minister what reply be has sent to the letter addressed to him by Mr. Hugh Brock offering his assistance in the compilation of a simple scientifically accurate account of the probable effects of a thermonuclear attack on Great Britain.
§ The Prime MinisterI have declined Mr. Brock's offer.
§ Mr. LubbockIf he has declined this offer from Mr. Brock, will the Prime Minister say whether he will make some other account available to the public in accordance with the undertaking given in the Statement on Defence—that the Government have always recognised the importance of informing the public about the effects of thermo-nuclear weapons?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what would be the terrible effect, in this or any other country, of nuclear war. The whole purpose of all national policies is surely to try to avert such a war.
§ Mr. LubbockWhy do the Government publish a leaflet which says that bicarbonate of soda and aspirin are specifics against H-bomb attack?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Member is trying to denigrate the Civil Defence service, he is making a mistake, because, however terrible the situation might be, it is surely our duty to take whatever possible steps can be taken to mitigate it.