HC Deb 07 May 1980 vol 984 cc118-9W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, following a nuclear attack, in what circumstances the armed forces in a locality will be placed under the control of the civilian local commander-in-chief for the area in which they are located.

Mr. Brittan

On request, and subject to any overriding military commitment. the armed services would aid the civil authorities. They would remain under military command.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby on 28 April, he will give details of the special instructions issued to chief constables on the role of the police in time of war.

Mr. Whitelaw

Copies of Home Office circular No. ES 3/75, and of the accompanying police manual of home defence, are in the Library of the House. Further detailed instructions contain classified material.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby of 28 April, he will now use his power under regulation six of the Civil Defence (Planning) Regulations to compel local authorities to take action on Home Office circulars.

Mr. Whitelaw

I have no plans to do so at present.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department further to his reply of 28 April to the hon. Member for Rugby, why no advice has been prepared for local authorities on how to combat chemical weapons.

Mr. Whitelaw

The widespread use of chemical weapons against the civilian population is not considered likely. Both the risk of attack and the form it might take are kept under continuous review.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his reply of 28 April to the hon. Member for Rugby, why he has no plans to introduce a system of regular annual inspections by his Department of plans provided by county councils to be implemented in time of war for the defence of the civil population.

Mr. Whitelaw

I prefer to rely upon regular informal liaison between the Home Office and local authorities.