HL Deb 26 February 1986 vol 471 cc1041-2
Lord Renton

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 to what extent local authorities in England and Wales, and in Scotland, are carrying out their responsibilities under the Civil Defence Regulations 1983.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Glenarthur)

My Lords, we know that there is a wide variation in performance. An assessment is in hand of plans made under the 1983 regulations by local authorities in Great Britain.

Lord Renton

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. May I ask him what is going to be done about those local authorities which have not yet submitted plans under the statutory obligation that they should have observed?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, officials have now written to those authorities which have failed to submit plans as requested, making it clear that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State now requires copies of their plans and that if they are not forthcoming we will consider withholding civil defence grant.

Lord Mottistone

My Lords, what sanctions does my noble friend's right honourable friend have in the event that people do not respond?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I think that I gave the answer to that just now to my noble friend when I said that my right honourable friend could require the withholding of civil defence grant. It is important that we have as full information as possible about the state of preparedness throughout the country. The Government are determined to ensure that all local authorities meet their obligations under the regulations and we shall take whatever steps are necessary to achieve that.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, if the Government are so determined, is it not plain that some much more effective sanction than the mere withholding of the defence grant will be required? What more effective sanctions have the Government in mind?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I think that it is important to complete the assessment first. We will bear in mind the concerns that have been expressed this afternoon.

Lord Taylor of Blackburn

My Lords, does this apply to authorities that have declared themselves nuclear-free zones?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, it applies to all authorities.

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