HC Deb 15 March 1955 vol 538 cc1108-9
36. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate has been made of the number of casualties that would ensue if a hydrogen bomb equivalent to a charge of 20 million tons of trinitrotoluene were dropped on the centre of Glasgow; and what measure of protection is afforded to the citizens against its effects in the first, second, or third phases of destruction.

Mr. J. Stuart

The number of casualties would depend on many factors, including the height at which the bomb was exploded and those precautionary measures relating to evacuation and shelter which, as stated in paragraphs 114 to 116 of the White Paper on Defence, are at present being re-examined.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Secretary of State aware that that is a very sketchy and unsatisfactory answer to this very serious problem? Could he give us a little further information? Under what conditions in the event of such a bomb falling in Glasgow would obliteration be inevitable, and under what conditions would survival be possible? Apart from proposals in the White Paper, which are non-existent, what protection is now afforded to the people of Glasgow against such a contingency?

Mr. Stuart

I try to keep an eye on the clock when I deal with answers to Questions.

Mr. Rankin

Never mind the clock.

Mr. Stuart

I have to do that because other hon. Members have Questions to ask. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement by the Prime Minister in the House on 1st March.

Mr. Woodburn

Could the right hon. Gentleman not have a rather constructive approach to this matter and realise that, instead of preparing for doom, it may be advisable to try to distribute some of the industries and populations in Glasgow and the big cities among less densely populated parts of the country?

Mr. Stuart

This is a most difficult problem. I hate to think of preparing for doom, and I trust the Opposition to support the Government in efforts to avoid it.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the very unsatisfactory answer by the Secretary of State, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.