HC Deb 22 November 1960 vol 630 cc958-9
20. Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans exist at the moment for the evacuation of the population of Clydeside in the event of emergency; and when he hopes to present his new plans to the House.

Mr. Maclay

I cannot yet forecast when the re-examination to which I referred in answer to the hon. Lady on 16th November will be completed. Detailed plans for particular areas must await the outcome of the re-examination.

Mrs. Hart

Is it not extraordinary that at a time when the Government announce their plans for a Polaris base in Holy Loch there should be extreme doubt as to the future of the population of Clyde-side? Will not the Government exercise their real responsibility in this matter and at least inform the people of Clydeside what their fate will be in the event of an emergency?

Mr. Maclay

It is clear that if there were an emergency any Government would take whatever steps were necessary in the circumstances of the incident. Beyond that I cannot add to what I have said.

Mrs. Hart

Can the Minister tell us what the plans are at present if there should be an emergency in the near future?

Mr. Maclay

The previous proposals, which were discussed some time ago with local authority associations, are under re-examination. The hon. Lady will realise that in a matter of this kind it would be extraordinary if it were possible to keep plans absolutely static, so that the plans for one year were exactly the same as those for the next year.

Mr. MacArthur

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the majority of people in Scotland greatly resent these attempts to spread unjustified public alarm with the object of throwing aside the responsibilities of alliance?