HL Deb 18 May 1984 vol 451 cc1603-4

11.13 a.m.

Lord Molloy

My Lords. I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to stockpile medical drugs in preparation for a nuclear war and what is the estimated cost.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, a supply of drugs is just one of many matters taken into account by those who are developing plans for civil defence in the health service.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, may I first congratulate the noble Earl on his new post and hope that he will have at least a very interesting time? I am sure that we on this side of the House will bend every endeavour to make his job at least interesting. Is he aware that what is causing great perturbation is the view of the British Medical Association's Scientific Committee, which is appalled, worried and anxious about the proposal of the South West Regional Authority to spend £3.2 million on a drugs build-up? In the view of the British Medical Association, which I submit should have full cognisance taken of it. this is a reckless and complete waste of time and money.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I am grateful for the kind words of the noble Lord in the initial part of his supplementary question. With regard to the BMA's report, the Government do not accept the view that civil defence planning is pointless or that it can be interpreted as a preparation for war. We believe that the country should have the capacity to respond to the threat of war. So far as the DHSS and the NHS are concerned, that means making plans, among other things, to meet the needs of the casualties of war, both nuclear and conventional.

Lord Gisborough

My Lords, would the noble Earl agree that, in the event that the views of the party opposite were accepted and the nuclear weapons of all countries were got rid of, history would show that, without doubt, that would inevitably be followed by a conventional war? In that case, would he say whether there are enough medical supplies available for a conventional war?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, we do not believe that a nuclear war will happen, but I can assure the noble Lord that there are adequate supplies of drugs available.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, would the noble Earl confirm that much of this equipment and many of these drugs have a limited shelf-life? They could be buried somewhere and forgotten for a month or two, or even a year or two, and they would be completely useless. Is the noble Earl further aware that the Government have promised to issue a statement about this entire question and that the BMA feel a sense of outrage that one authority has not waited for that review, as they have, with other health authorities? This should be a combined effort, including the BMA and the Government, so that all of Britain is involved and not just one part of it.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the noble Lord has asked a number of questions. With regard to the restricted shelf-life, we are aware of the problems associated with that in respect of certain essential drugs, but separate stockpiling may not be necessary. It really depends on what you call a stockpile. There are a number of supplies of drugs held by manufacturers and hospitals. There is also some reserve in the distribution chain which, by its very nature, is widely dispersed throughout the country and involves hospitals, wholesalers, retail pharmacists and family doctors, who dispense medicines for their patients. There are no specific stockpiles in bunkers and warehouses.

With regard to the report of the South West Regional Health Authority, that was a natural progression of work by the authority as a result of Circular HDC/77/1. Steady progress has been made in revising and updating that circular, and other Government departments with similar responsibility for civil defence are being consulted. I can assure the noble Lord that the British Medical Association and other interested bodies will also be consulted and that the revised circular will be issued with the least possible delay.

Lord Renton

My Lords, is there any evidence that the report of the BMA, which was made by a specially appointed committee of the association, has been supported by the thousands of its members? May I ask my noble friend whether he is aware that it is right in civil defence to prepare for not only a vast holocaust—which was the underlying assumption of the BMA report—but also any eventuality, perhaps of a lesser kind, which might occur and from which there would be millions of survivors?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, with regard to the first point, I do not have an answer. I shall of course check it out and let my noble friend have an answer. With regard to the second point on civil defence, of course Her Majesty's Government are fully aware of all the things that could happen under civil defence, and the appropriate measures are being taken.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that his final answer to me, in particular the point that other people, including the BMA. will be consulted, and that the revised circular will be issued as quickly as possible, will be very much welcomed by the BMA and other responsible people who are concerned?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords. I am grateful to the noble Lord, and I am sure he will also draw this point to the attention of the BMA.