HC Deb 11 December 1957 vol 579 c1239
12. Commander Maitland

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements he has made to take over Butlin's camp at Skegness in the event of war; and what plans he has for its use.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

It would not be in the public interest for me to discuss the nature of any plans to take over property in the event of war.

Commander Maitland

Does not my hon. Friend agree that it is very much in the public interest that the public should know where they can go to find a reception area in the event of atomic bombing? How can they possibly know if certain areas are reserved? Should there not be an overriding priority to use these areas for the reception of refugees due to atomic bombing if that were to occur?

Mr. Galbraith

I think that is rather a wider matter than purely an Admiralty problem, but I am sure that my right hon. Friend who is responsible for coordinating the various Departmental requirements of this sort will be most interested in my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Mr. G. Thomas

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I can tell his hon. and gallant Friend where the people will go when war comes and that the hon. Gentleman would be far better occupied, and so would the other occupants of the Treasury Bench, in trying to avoid a war and leave Mr. Butlin to his business.