HC Deb 10 May 1982 vol 23 cc200-1W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines have been issued to regional health authorities about the functions and duties of the emergency planning officers they have appointed; and if he will publish these.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I would refer the hon. Member to the Department's letter DA(81)9 of 25 March 1981 to regional health authorities, a copy of which is in the Library.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many copies of "The Preparation and Organisation of the Health Service for War" have been distributed; to whom; and if the document has been sent to nurses' organisations and individuals requesting it.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Six hundred copies of the DHSS circular were distributed in January 1977 to all RHAs, AHAs, health districts, boards of governors, FPCs and CHCs in England. At the same time the Home Office issued copies to all chief executives of English county and district councils, the London borough councils and chief officers of police in England. The circular has also been issued on request to any organisation or individual.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many copies of the "The Preparation and Organisation of the Health Service for War" have been printed; and at what cost.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Approximately 1,000 copies were printed, details of costs of individual circulars issued in 1977 are not readily available.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will instruct emergency planning officers of regional health authorities to show to nurses' representatives proposed local plans in the event of a nuclear war.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Emergency planning officers are already fully aware that those who will be responsible for managing nursing and all other essential services in the event of war must be closely involved in the preparation of plans.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is currently being made available to nurses and their representatives about their role in the aftermath of a nuclear war.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The Departmental circular HDC (77)1, "The Preparation and Organisation of the Health Service for War" was distributed to all health authorities and can be made available to any member of staff who wishes to see it.