HC Deb 19 December 1980 vol 996 cc355-6W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department where is the civil defence regional headquarters which includes Keighley.

Mr. Brittan

It is not in the public interest to disclose the location of wartime headquarters.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the regional headquarters which are to be refurbished or rebuilt as part of the civil defence programme; when he expects the work to be completed; and what facilities will be available should an attack occur prior to completion.

Mr. Brittan

It is not in the public interest to disclose the location of wartime headquarters. The network of headquarters in England and Wales is due to be completed by 1985. Where a headquarters is not ready for occupation there are contingency plans to use alternative accommodation.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has completed studies into the role of industry in civil defence planning; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

No, this is a complex matter on which studies are still in hand.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to announce plans for providing more information on the steps that householders should take to enable protective measures to be incorporated in their homes for protection in wartime.

Mr. Brittan

Advice to the public on shelter construction, to be published in January, will include details of designs for both indoor and garden shelters. Advice on the incorportion of protected accommodation in new houses and on the reinforcement of existing houses will be published at a later date.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the results of discussions with local authority associations on the proposed survey of existing structures suitable for communal shelter purposes.

Mr. Brittan

Technical guidance for the survey is being prepared for discussion with the local authority associations, which will take place in the new year.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the results of consultations with local authorities about local planning and training and adaptation of premises by district council for civil defence administration headquarters.

Mr. Brittan

We have no plans at present to do so.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the new arrangements for civil defence planning and training between central Government Departments, emergency services, the Post Office and the National Health Service.

Mr. Brittan

I shall write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much Government money is now available for community involvement in civil defence.

Mr. Brittan

£6.6 million will be available annually from 1981–82 for local planning and training, including community involvement.