HC Deb 06 April 1981 vol 2 cc181-2W
Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision has been made in the Dunfermline area for nuclear shelter for (a) local government officials and (b)the elected members of local authorities; and what is the location of such shelters.

Mr. Rifkind

Local authorities have not been advised to provide nuclear shelters as such for elected members or officials. They have, however, been asked to provide protected accommodation for their wartime headquarters to enable essential local government services to continue in time of war. Detailed arrangements in the Dunfermline area are a matter for Dunfermline district council.

Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the officials who will be responsible for civil defence in the Dunfermline area in the event of a nuclear attack, together with their exact responsibilities.

Mr. Rifkind

Primary responsibility would rest with the chief executive of Dunfermline district council, in association with a small emergency committee of about three elected members. His tasks would be to assess the situation locally, to determine priorities, to identify and co-ordinate the deployment of resources and to exercise the functions of the district council. Support would be provided by those key local authority staff required to maintain essential services, with advice from staff of Government Departments, nationalised and other essential industries, the police, fire and Armed Services. Detailed arrangements in the area are a matter for Dunfermline district council.