HC Deb 20 February 1986 vol 92 cc461-2
1. Mr. Alexander

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to start providing regular reports to the House on how local authorities are proceeding with their civil defence requirements.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Giles Shaw)

My right hon. Friend will report to the House when the assessment of local authority plans under the 1983 regulations is complete.

Mr. Alexander

Do the reports which have already been made not show that there are profoundly disturbing weaknesses in some of our civil defence preparations and that the 1983 regulations are widely ignored and flouted? On concluding the assessment, will my hon. Friend consider appointing a civil defence inspector with powers to monitor and direct civil defence regulations?

Mr. Shaw

My hon. Friend is right. There has been, as we expected, a variable response to the questionnaires. We must examine carefully the plans of the 54 county level authorities. My hon. Friend is correct in saying that this will require a lot of follow-up and advice. The civil defence adviser is fully engaged on this task.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

When the Home Secretary reports to the House, will he take care to report on the extraordinary events in the Camarthen district where, apparently, a security firm which has been grant-aided by his Department used dogs and violence against members of the civilian population?

Mr. Shaw

I am aware of that unfortunate incident. I understand that an inquiry is taking place. The hon. Gentleman will, of course, receive a report in due course on the incident.

Sir John Farr

Is my hon. Friend aware that some local authorities—nearly all of them Labour—seem to think that civil defence begins and ends by erecting a notice on the speed limit sign saying, "Nuclear Free Zone"? Will my hon. Friend point out to them the error of their ways? Will he take the opportunity to point out to the ratepayers what some of these Labour-controlled city councillor are doing?

Mr. Shaw

My hon. Friend is right. There is plenty of advertising of that myth. No doubt those local authorities will be the first to close the radiology departments in their hospitals if they pursue that policy.