§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he issued a letter to all regional scientific advisers concerning the quality of the British Medical Association report "The Medical Effects of Nuclear War"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe letter to which the question refers was dated 8 April and was issued by the Home Office scientific research and development branch, which appoints the volunteer regional scientific advisers, helps with their training and has a responsibility for keeping them informed. The intention was to inform them of the views of the Home Office and its scientists on the British Medical Association report and the weight to be attached to its criticisms of a number of aspects of civil defence planning. We are encouraged by the BMA's recent decision to cooperate on civil defence planning and we hope shortly to discuss the next steps with them.