HC Deb 04 February 1985 vol 72 cc449-50W
Mr. Neil Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether measures to deal with the effects of chemical and biological weapons will be included in the new circular HDC(77)1.

Mr. John Patten

The Government are a party to the 1972 convention banning biological weapons. In the absence of a chemical weapons ban, active consideration is being given to the detection and warning of danger presented by them and what protective measures can be taken. When the results of this work are available, we shall consider including in the general guidance to health authorities on civil defence planning specific advice on dealing with the effects of chemical weapons.

Mr. Neil Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to issue the new circular HDC(77)1.

Mr. John Patten

Officials have now been able to consider published and other views on a preliminary draft circular to replace the guidance in HDC(77)1 on civil defence planning in the National Health Service. These views are being taken into account in a further draft which will be issued for general consultation at the earliest possible date.