HC Deb 02 May 1963 vol 676 cc1308-10
Q3. Mr. S. Silverman

asked the Prime Minister what will be the functions of those appointed to take charge of the respective regional seats of government in the event of a nuclear attack upon the United Kingdom; what will be the limits of their civil or military jurisdiction; and under what legal authority those functions will be exercised.

The Prime Minister

Regional Commissioners in war would be responsible to the Government for the co-ordination and, where necessary, the control of all measures that could be taken in their respective regions to help the population. The necessary regulations for this purpose would be made.

Mr. Silverman

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the Question which is concerned with the legal authority under which these very wide powers would be exercised? Does not he concede that, assuming that these measures would become necessary, they are very drastic? Does not he agree that everybody would be much better off, and the situation would be much clearer, if there were no question of any challenge to the legal authority under which such wide powers were administered?

Would it not be much better if the Government came clean with the House of Commons and the country as to what the circumstances would be following a nuclear attack and what drastic powers in defiance of Parliamentary democracy would become necessary?

The Prime Minister

If the situation seemed to require it, it would, of course, be right to introduce an Emergency Powers (Defence) Bill under which these regulations could be made. But if something had to be done unexpectedly and in a hurry, it would be done and the Government would seek the support of the House subsequently.

Mr. Emery

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those people who live near, or have some knowledge of the possible existence of, these installations, and who have tried to keep the information to themselves for the nation's security, are more than a little exasperated by the behaviour of those who have disclosed it? Will my right hon. Friend urge those who continue to use this information for their own publicity to have a little more responsibility and patriotism?

Mr. Silverman

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the nature of such an emergency as he contemplates will be more serious and more urgent than in the case of the last war, and that in these circumstances there will not be time to introduce an Emergency Powers Bill? Will he further bear in mind that full effect was given to these considerations before the last war, when the Government were at least careful to take full emergency powers before the emergency occurred? Does not he think it worth while to do that now?

The Prime Minister

Happily I see no sign of the international situation deteriorating as it did in the months immediately preceding the last war.