§ 3. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to promote the showing of the 50-minute documentary film showing what would happen if an atom bomb fell on a town.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir David Maxwell Fyfe)The film has already been widely shown to Civil Defence workers. It has been exhibited to members of the Press, who have given it a good deal of publicity; and hon. Members will have an opportunity of seeing it on 13th May. I am considering whether I can arrange for the film to be shown in cinemas to local authorities and others concerned with Civil Defence, and I understand that the B.B.C. are considering the possibility of showing the film in separate parts on television later this year.
§ Mr. JannerIn thanking the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him to keep in mind the fact that this film, if shown extensively, will assist the Civil Defence in their work as well as being of use to them personally? It seems to me highly important that a film of this nature should be shown to the public.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI will certainly bear that in mind.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware that this film completely oversimplifies what would happen if an atom bomb dropped on a big city, and does he not think that we are deluding people by not showing a realistic film instead of something which is likely to deceive the people?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe hon. Gentleman is completely wrong on both points. The film does not over-simplify and we are not deluding the people. It gives a clear picture of what is likely to happen and a clear indication of what could be done to limit the disaster.