HC Deb 19 March 1976 vol 907 cc646-8W
Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings have been held by officials from his Department with local authorities unwilling or reluctant to engage in home defence planning during the course of the years 1975 and 1976 to date; and if he will identify the local authorities concerned.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Almost all local authorities co-operate fully and readily in home defence planning. I do not think that it would serve any useful purpose for me to identify the few exceptions.

Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be the effect, if any, on the policy of his Department in respect of home defence planning, as a result of cuts in the expenditure programme for the years 1978–79.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Civil Defence is bearing its full share of the cuts in public expenditure in 1978–79 and subsequent years. The main effect is in Civil Service manpower and further reductions in Home Office stockpiles of equipment.

Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which local authorities have refused to participate in seminars dealing with local home defence policy under the auspices of his Department.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Attendance at seminars is by invitation and nomination. No local authority has refused to participate.

Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution is made by his Department towards the cost incurred by a local authority in connection with attendance at seminars dealing with his Department's policy.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Allowances reimbursed by a local authority for expenditure incurred by officials nominated by them to attend studies at the Home Defence College qualify for 75 per cent. Civil Defence grant.

Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many seminars dealing with local home defence policy have been held under the auspices of his Department in each of the last five years; what has been the expenditure incurred in respect of each such seminar; and how many people from each local authority attended such seminars.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

There were 12 studies and courses for local and other public authorities after the inauguration of the Home Defence College in September 1973, 35 in 1974 and 52 in 1975. I regret that the remaining information could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost

Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been expended in the Greater London area on Civil Defence in each of the last five years.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I regret that information is not separately available for the Greater London area.