HC Deb 28 January 1960 vol 616 cc49-50W
9. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the Government's decision to make Thor missile bases operational and ready to fire at 15 minutes' notice, and of rocket developments since 21st November, 1957, to what extent the Government still bases its civil defence policy, as explained by him to the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, on that date, on the assumption that there will be long enough advance notice of the outbreak of hostilities to enable it to evacuate 12 million people.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The fact that Thor is able to take its place as part of the operational front line of the R.A.F., and developments in missiles generally, do not affect the need to plan to take full advantage for purposes of civil defence of any period of alert.

10. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to announce the decisions reached in his discussions with local authorities associations on civil defence evacuation policy, which he informed the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, on 17th November, 1957, were proceeding at that date.

Mr. R. A. Butler

As I have previously informed the House, the Government has thought it desirable to re-examine the proposals which had been discussed with representatives of the local authority associations, in the light of the latest appreciation of the strategic situation and other relevant considerations. This examination is still proceeding.

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