HC Deb 11 February 1985 vol 73 cc12-3
17. Mr. Gerald Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to harden vulnerable equipment in his charge against the effects of nuclear electromagnetic pulse.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

None, Sir.

Mr. Bowden

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that adequate places are available on training courses so that those who need to know about the effects of the nuclear electromagnetic pulse can learn, study and make provision for such an emergency?

Mr. Edwards

Once again, that is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary. I shall draw that suggestion to his attention.

Mr. Best

Will my right hon. Friend deprecate the decisions of some county councils in Wales, under whose charge the citizens are placed in the event of such a catastrophe occurring, not to involve themselves fully in civil defence matters? Will he also remind the House that a unilateral declaration that Wales is a nuclear-free zone is not of much use unless the Kremlin agrees to it as well?

Mr. Edwards

I agree entirely with what my hon. Friend says. I believe that it is of great importance that we should pursue civil defence measures. My Department will continue to give every possible encouragement to the activities of those involved to ensure that proper civil defence arrangements are made.