HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 cc2461-2
29. Surgeon Lieut. - Commander Reginald Bennett

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to secure the dispersal of key industries as a measure of Civil Defence.

Mr. H. Wilson

Arrangements exist for planning the dispersal of existing key industries in the event of an emergency. The need for dispersal is also taken into account, among other factors, before approval is given to expansion schemes in these industries.

Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is of doubtful wisdom from the strategic point of view that a new very large oil refinery should be placed alongside an existing expanded one and a third establishment within easy radius of a carelessly dropped atom bomb?

Mr. Wilson

As the hon. and gallant Member has already been informed in relation to that refinery, all relevant considerations, including strategic considerations, were taken into account when that decision was made.

Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

Are we to assume that the Government regard that refinery as being strategically well planned?

Mr. Wilson

The hon. and gallant Member can assume what he likes from the statement of the facts. Strategic considerations were certainly taken into account with the others.