§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about(a) the susceptibility to nuclear electromagnetic pulse and (b) any softwear problems of the solid-state message switch devices currently being introduced into the wartime Government emergency communications network.
§ Mr. John PattenThe equipment underwent satisfactory susceptibility tests prior to purchase. The need for software improvements was identified following initial operational experience of the equipment, and revisions were introduced in 1988. Consideration is being given to the need for any additional refinements in the light of further experience.