§ 4. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in the organisation of preventive measures, besides those arranged by the Royal Air Force, to safeguard life in areas adjacent to the crashing of an aeroplane carrying nuclear bombs, in view of the admitted danger of the scattering of radio-active dust.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)I would refer the hon. Member to the statements that I made on 4th and 27th February, to which I have at present nothing to add.
§ Mr. BrockwayIn view of the fact that explosions are ruled out but it is now admitted that radioactive elements fatal to life may be distributed over a considerable area, is it not desirable to supplement any R.A.F. teams, because the planes in this country would fly over largely populated areas, whereas in America they would fly over deserts?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. That is why I said that we are keeping the standard instructions under review. If we obtain sufficiently exact information to enlarge upon the instructions we have given, then I will be glad to issue further instructions. But, at the moment, I have nothing more to add.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is proposed to issue special equipment to the fire service to enable it to cope with the hazard which will arise in such an emergency?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot give a further answer on that subject today. The Prime Minister dealt with this matter on 10th December and gave an account of what equipment is at present available. I cannot go further at the moment.