HC Deb 24 March 1958 vol 585 cc5-6
6. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to what extent he is co-ordinating and making available to the public information about the Government's Civil Defence policy and its relation to national defence, with particular reference to nuclear weapon-carrying patrol and training aeroplanes, and missile bases.

11. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he is taking to co-ordinate the Government's information services on the effects of, and action to be taken on, the accidental jettisoning by aircraft of hydrogen bombs or their equipment, with special reference to dealing with possible fall-out of radioactive materials.

Dr. Hill

I have nothing to add to the statements made on these subjects by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and the Minister of Defence.

Mr. Zilliacus

But did not the Prime Minister say recently in a television interview that he was concerned at the state of public opinion on this issue and thought that the public should know the truth? Would not it be desirable, for instance, to explain to the public why the Government base their Civil Defence policy upon long enough notice to evacuate 12 million people and yet keep aeroplanes with nuclear weapons flying overhead, and why East Anglia is chosen both as an evacuation area and as a site for missile bases? Are not Questions of this sort in urgent need of explanation by the Government?

Dr. Hill

The Prime Minister has made his position perfectly clear, and if the hon. Member seeks any elucidation upon that point, he should put down a Question to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Lewis

The Minister referred to replies to previous answers, but is he not aware that in those answers there was no mention—as there is in these Questions—of what the Government should do in the matter of giving factual information more or less from day to day? Cannot he arrange to send out information from time to time which would prevent Questions being put in the House and keep the public informed? Why cannot we have some information?

Dr. Hill

Nothing would prevent the hon. Member putting Questions in the House, but the Government's view on this subject generally is widely known. I am not responsible for co-ordinating the views of hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite.