§ Viscount Mersey asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether all joint fire and civil defence authorities have supplied the civil protection information required by 1st April 1988 in the Home Office circular dated 30th October 1986, called A Planned Programme for Implementation.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)My Lords, five fire and civil defence authorities have so far supplied the information required. We are in touch with the remaining two authorities.
§ Viscount MerseyMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Is he aware that there are very specific requirements for information which must have been provided by 1st April; to wit, to provide complete details about:
collection and distribution of information on the results of attack … control and co-ordination of action … and advice to the public"?
§ Viscount MerseyMy Lords, I am reading from the document. Can my noble friend confirm beyond peradventure that all joint fire and civil defence authorities have complied to the letter with the requirements and that there is no element of creative compliance?
Earl FerrersMy Lords, I do not know how one gives a guarantee beyond peradventure. However, I can say that we expect to receive the submissions of both authorities shortly. The early indications are that "creative compliance", as my noble friend delightfully uses the expression, is less widespread than some may have feared.