HC Deb 07 July 1964 vol 698 cc70-1W
Mr. Wedgwood Benn

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many residents of the Palace of Westminster are registered with the Civil Defence authorities; and what provision has been made for their evacuation in the event of a nuclear attack.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many male and how many female residents there are in the Palace of Westminster known to the Civil Defence authorities; and what provision has been made for their evacuation in the event of a nuclear attack.

Mr. Corfield

Plans are being prepared by local authorities, at my right hon. Friend's request, for the dispersal of people in the priority classes from large centres of population in the event of a threat of nuclear attack. It would be for the Government at the time to decide whether dispersal should be carried out.

The priority classes consist mainly of children under 18, women accompanied by children and expectant mothers. Any member of the priority classes resident in the Palace of Westminster would be eligible to take part in the dispersal scheme, which does not call for prior registration.