Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training for civil defence is at present being undertaken under the auspices of his Department; how many staff are engaged on it; and what is the annual cost.
§ Mr. MayhewTraining for civil defence is undertaken by the Home Defence College, Easingwold; 68 staff are employed and the cost in 1981–82 was £624,048.
Civil defence training is also undertaken by local authorities—which receive grant aid at the rate of 75 per cent. on approved expenditure; by the United Kingdom warning and monitoring organisation and the Royal Observer Corps; and by scientific advisers. Since this 401W training represents only a part of the duties of the staff concerned, precise totals of staff and of costs cannot be established.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies are now taking place in his Department in the light of the British Medical Association report on the medical effects of nuclear war; and what discussions he is initiating with civil defence authorities on this matter.
§ Mr. MayhewWe are studying the report carefully. All aspects of our civil defence policy and plans are kept under regular review and are the subject of consultations with authorities which have civil defence responsibilities.