§ 25. Mr. George Craddockasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsih Affairs how long discussions with local authorities' associations, whidh the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Zilliacus) was 1119 informed on 21st November, 1957, were then in progress, had been proceeding before that date; and whether, in view of the short notice of the arrival of rockets expected from the Fylingdales early warning station, he will now indicate an approximate date for the publication of the report which it was indicated would be made on the completion of these discussions.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIn answer to the first part of the Question, about a year. In answer to the second, all the issues are being re-examined, but evacuation policy has at no time depended upon warning of an actual attack.
§ Mr. CraddockHas not the right hon. Gentleman taken a long time—nearly three years—to give the House the details of the period of warning which will be given in the case of an alert? Surely the House may be told the up-to-date position, after this long time?
§ Mr. BrookeAs I said, this matter is being re-examined. Over the years the strategic situation has altered and developed, and it is important that our plans should be related to the situation as it is and not to the situation as it was when this examination with the local authorities was first started.
§ 26. Mr. George Craddockasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether the Government's civil defence evacuation policy continues to be based on the evacuation of 12 million people on the outbreak of hostilities; how long a time is estimated as necessary for the completion of this operation; and what is the maximum duration of the general period of alert in a time of tension, before the final warning from the Fylingdales station, that the Government expect to be able to utilise for this purpose.
§ Mr. H. BrookeEvacuation problems are being re-examined. It is not possible to forecast the maximum length of a period of alert.
§ Mr. CraddockIn view of the Prime Minister's recent statement that if there is another war it is likely to break out not by design but by accident, surely it is rank dishonesty to claim that a warning period will be given in respect of an alert?
§ Mr. BrookeThese are some of the strategic considerations that I have mentioned. Hitherto our plans have been based on the expectation that a war would not break out without at least a heightening of tension.