HL Deb 30 July 1981 vol 423 cc875-6WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether staff for sub-regional headquarters to be established in the event of nuclear war have been designated and told of arrangements for their spouses and families; and

Whether cooks and typists for sub-regional headquarters have been engaged and whether they have been fully informed of the nature of their duties and of provision for their families if any; and

How far advanced are plans to house in hotels and other premises in Hertford the wives and children of personnel required to man the Hertford bunker in the event of nuclear war and whether the personnel and their spouses have been informed; and

What arrangements have been made for the families of personnel required to man bunkers in the event of nuclear war and whether such personnel and their families have been informed.

The Lord President of the Council (Lord Soames)

Government departments are in the process of identifying staff to serve in the sub-regional headquarters in wartime. Except for a small number of specialists all posts will be filled by existing staff in the Civil Service or other public services. Staff will be told, when they are selected, of the nature of the commitment and the arrangements for their families. There will be no provision for moving families into the sub-regional headquarters.