HC Deb 22 May 1986 vol 98 c523
8. Mr. Leigh

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if emergency planning officers were asked to take any action in response to the Chernobyl nuclear incident.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Our information is not yet complete, but we know that several local authorities had to take specific action and a number had to respond to inquiries.

Mr. Leigh

Did those emergency planning officers who were employed by nuclear-free authorities have any more success in reducing the effects on their population of radiation from Chernobyl than their colleagues in Conservative areas who over the years have been given the resources to make provision for their populations? Did the radiation from Chernobyl part, as the waters of the Red sea, round nuclear-free cities? Is not the Labour party imposing a cruel hoax on the British people by pretending that self-indulgent unilateral motions on nuclear freedom are any substitute for proper civil defence?

Mr. Shaw

My hon. Friend has clearly kicked the Labour party where it hurts in relation to nuclear-free zones. He will be aware that the nuclear-free zone is a public hoax which has no relationship whatever to the proper protection of our citizens in time of emergency in peace or in war.

Mr. Campbell Savours

Is the Minister aware that, while the people of west Cumberland are committed to the future of nuclear power, there is some concern there as to what might happen if an emergency arises from Sellafield. Can he give an absolute assurance that the planning programmes to ensure the fullest security of that part of west Cumberland are in place, that there are no deficiencies and that the Government are perfectly satisfied with the arrangement that exists?

Mr. Shaw

I understand fully the concern expressed by the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours). I can assure him that as a result of all the aspects of the Chernobyl incident there will be a complete review of the precautions and the plans that should be made. In relation to my responsibility in the Home Department for civil defence emergencies, I have already written to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment asking that we participate in such discussions.