HC Deb 15 December 1983 vol 50 c522W
Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether developments in technology and elsewhere since the issue of Home Office circular No. ES 3/1979 have occasioned changes in the guidance for standardising the procedures for transmitting and handling messages which is contained in that circular.

Mr. Hurd

There have been no developments so far necessitating changes to Home Office circular No. ES 3/1979. However, it will need revision to take account of the progressive modernisation over the next few years of the emergency wartime communications network and equipment.

Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the material from civil defence handbook No. 11 —"Communications: Volume I — Signals" — and other relevant matter which, according to paragraph 2 of Home Office circular No. ES 3/1979, were to be brought together in further guidance which would be issued in due course.

Mr. Hurd

A copy of the Civil Defence handbook No. 11—"Communications: Volume I—Signals"—published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office in 1968, has been placed in the Library. Relevant guidance on communications will be incorporated in the consolidated guidance to local authorities which we are preparing.