HC Deb 19 December 1985 vol 89 c274W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken to enable the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation, and the Royal Observer Corps to distinguish between different forms of hostile attack; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Initial warning of air attacks does not distinguish between the different forms it could take. The national warning organisation is equipped with instruments to detect, monitor and give warning of the effects of nuclear weapons. Studies are being conducted into ways of detecting and monitoring the effects of chemical attack and issuing appropriate public warning.