HC Deb 14 March 1980 vol 980 cc725-6W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to initiate a shelter programme, based on the Morrison type used during the last war, which would serve as the basis for a core shelter in individual homes.

Mr. Brittan

A Home Office working group is studying this type, among a range of low-cost domestic shelters.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will examine the emergency plans produced by county councils to ensure they provide an acceptable level of civil defence for the population in time of war.

Mr. Brittan

We are informed of progress made by county councils in their civil preparedness planning. We have no plans for more formal examination of local arrangements.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make available at the cheapest possible price sufficient hand pumps and air filters for the civil population to use in their own shelters in time of nuclear war.

Mr. Brittan

We have at present no plans to make such equipment available.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in his review of home defence arrangements, he will consider the formation of a national volunteer organisation designed to aid the civil population in time of war, such volunteers to be unpaid.

Mr. Brittan

The review of home defence includes a study of the part to be played by volunteer effort.