HC Deb 20 April 1961 vol 638 c122W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what training is given to civil defence personnel and to farmers and farm-workers in the decontamination of crops in the event of a nuclear war.

Mr. Soames

The hazards to crops and livestock from radioactive fall-out and methods of protection are described in the Ministry's booklet "Home Defence and the Farmer", a copy of which is in the Library. Information about these hazards is also included in the Home Office manual "Nuclear Weapons". All my officers who come into regular contact with farmers and farmworkers have been given instruction in the effects of fall-out, and some of my agricultural and veterinary scientists have been given advanced training in these matters. We also arrange meetings and discussions on this among the farming community.