§ 78. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War what work has been undertaken by the Commander-in-Chief, United Kingdom Land Forces, since 1955 to ensure national survival in the event of a nuclear attack upon Great Britain by means of co-ordinated action between the military and civil defence authorities; and why he is now abolishing this post.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Commander-in-Chief was responsible for planning land operations in defence of this country, including military assistance in civil defence. The initial work in this field has been completed and it is no longer 35W necessary to employ a full-time Commander-in-Chief to keep the plans up to date. His responsibilities have therefore been taken over by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command. The present close co-operation between the Army and the civil defence authorities will continue.
The work already done includes the establishment of a system of liaison between military and civil authorities; the start of training for commanders and staff in the Army's role under nuclear attack on the United Kingdom; the study, in conjunction with the civil authorities, of the assistance which can be given by the Army in civil defence; and the evolution of common techniques and procedures.