HC Deb 05 December 1985 vol 88 cc316-7W
56. Mr. Gerald Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the working party looking into the problems of nuclear electromagnetic pulse to report to Ministers.

58. Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he hopes to extend guidance to local authorities on the effects of nuclear electromagnetic pulse.

Mr. Giles Shaw

As a first step the working party is identifying various types of electrical equipment likely to be vulnerable to this effect and the specific protection measures which might be necessary in each case. This is a complex subject, and it is unlikely that firm results will be available before early 1987. Some advice on the effect in regard to communications equipment has already been given to local authorities, and this will be extended when the conclusions of the working party and other research are known.