HC Deb 24 May 1974 vol 874 cc307-8W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the stockpile of television and radio programmes with advice on the means of survival in the event of nuclear attack; on what media and wavelengths such broadcasts would be put out after such an attack; and what potential audience is estimated would receive such broadcasts.

Dr. Summerskill

The existing material, which was prepared several years ago, is shortly to be revised. Details of radio services to be broadcast after an attack would be publicised on all media during any crisis which seemed likely to lead to war. The broadcasts would be meant for reception by all battery-powered transistor radios.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies have been made of how existing buildings can be modified or adapted to ensure protection for the civil population in case of nuclear attack; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Summerskill:

Many scientific studies have been made on the design of buildings to increase the protection which they already afford against the effects of radioactive fall-out. The public would be advised in a crisis about simple adaptations to existing dwellings which would improve the protection given.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issued an updated version of "Advising the Householder on Protection against Nuclear Attack" published in 1963 and now unavailable; what arrangements have been made for storing such a publication for use at times of attack; and what plans exist for its distribution in the event of a nuclear attack.

Dr. Summerskill

Revised material for issue to the public on television, radio and in printed form is being prepared to replace the booklet. This material would be released before an attack and some of it would be repeated on radio after an attack.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with arrangements to ensure that the 7,000 automatic sirens supposed to reach 72 per cent. of the British population to warn of an impending nuclear attack are in working order.

Dr. Summerskill

Yes.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans Her Majesty's Government have to build shelters for the population of Great Britain in case of nuclear attack; and what is the cost of such an overall shelter programme.

Dr. Summerskill

There are no such plans.