§ 35. Sir David Rentonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money will have been spent in the current financial year in pursuance of the Government's obligations under the Civil Defence Acts; how much will be spent during the coming financial year; what progress has been made by local authorities in fulfilment of their civil defence obligations; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillI refer the hon. Member to answers that I gave to similar Questions by the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 27th January and 8th February, by the hon. Member for Walsall North (Mr. Hodgson) on 7th February and by the hon. Mem-196W ber for Wycombe (Sir J. Hall) on 3rd March—[Vol. 924, c. 711; Vol. 925, c. 603; Vol. 925, c. 521–22; Vol. 927, c. 268.] Most local authorities in England and Wales have made considerable progress in preparing civil defence plans in recent years, and we expect this to continue.
§ 37. Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has for ensuring that local authorities carry out their responsibilities under the Civil Defence Act and regulations made thereunder.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend has no powers to inspect or call for reports under the Civil Defence Act 1948. He relies on the good sense of local authorities properly to discharge their civil defence functions.