HC Deb 19 February 1959 vol 600 cc76-7W
34. Mr. Baird

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will indicate an approximate date far the comprehensive statement on civil defence he indicated, on 21st November, 1957, he would make, so soon as he had completed the discussions with local authorities' associations about evacuation that were then proceeding.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Government's policy on civil defence has been clearly stated in successive White Papers on Defence. While I do not recognise any such specific undertaking as that referred to by the hon. Member, he may be interested to learn that before embarking on discussions with individual local authorities, the Government have thought it desirable to re-examine the proposals far evacuation which were discussed with representatives of the local authority associations, so as to ensure that all the relevant factors are taken fully into consideration.