HC Deb 12 February 1985 vol 73 cc110-1W
Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) from what sources wartime farm wardens would be recruited;

(2) if he will publish his contingency plans to appoint wartime farm wardens;

(3) what criteria would govern the establishment of groups of farms to be supervised by wartime farm wardens; and what alternative criteria have been considered by his Department;

(4) if he will list the duties and responsibilities of wartime farm wardens.

Mrs. Fenner

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 7 February at column694 to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Thomas).

Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farm wardens would be appointed by his Department in the event of threatened hostilities.

Mrs. Fenner

On the basis of one warden for about 20 farms there would be about 6,000 wardens.

Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish details of the organisation, structure and composition of the proposed wartime local control organisation for agriculture, fisheries and food.

Mrs. Fenner

Details of the local agricultural control organisation were published in Home Office circular ES 1/79 sent to local authorities in January 1979 and are repeated in section 11 of the new consolidated circular on civil defence sent to local authorities in draft for comment in July 1984.

Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a map showing the areas to be served by each wartime farm warden.

Mrs. Fenner

No.