HC Deb 13 December 1983 vol 50 cc406-7W
Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken to ensure that there are sources of uncontaminated water available in the aftermath of a nuclear attack (a) on Tyneside and (b) in all other regions.

Mr. Waldegrave

Water authorities have been instructed to make plans and to train staff for civil defence and are being assisted by payment of grant aid from central funds. These measures, which are being taken in all English regions, have the objective of restoring public water supplies in the aftermath of a nuclear attack or in case this proves impossible, of providing an emergency ration of drinking water for the surviving population. Contamination of water supplies by radioactive fallout is not likely to be a major consideration though precautions against bacterial contamination would have to be taken.

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