§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what considerations governed the choice of the sites for the three proposed new nuclear shelters.
§ Mr. ScottThe three purpose-designed civil defence control centres are planned to accommodate six civil defence teams. Five teams would be responsible for regional government in the province and the administration of four areas conterminous with those of the health and social services boards, and one would constitute a small reserve. It is proposed to house two teams in each building.
264WIn selecting the sites, consideration was given to centricity to the areas covered (the Belfast area being avoided as it already contains the normal peacetime administration of the Province) and to the availability of Government-owned land.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what will be the role and purpose of the three proposed new nuclear shelters in the event of a nuclear attack affecting Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ScottThe purpose of the three proposed buildings is to provide protected accommodation from which to carry on government at provincial and area levels, and to permit the administration of vital functions for the welfare of the community, after a nuclear attack.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement outlining what officials or representatives will use the three nuclear shelters; arid how they have been, or will be, selected.
§ Mr. ScottThe three centres are intended to provide accommodation, in the event of nuclear attack, for the regional Headquarters for Northern Ireland headed by a Government Minister, and for four area teams led by senior civil servants. Each will comprise representatives from all the essential services, from Northern Ireland Departments, and from industry. They would have the necessary expertise to restore day-to-day services to the whole community in the Province.
Nominations are made on the basis of the experience of the individual, who is often a key postholder, but regard is also paid to health and other factors which might inhibit performance under extreme conditions.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to ensure that those people in the three proposed new nuclear shelters, in the event of a nuclear attack, will be a broadly representative cross-section of the Northern Ireland community.
§ Mr. ScottCivil defence concerns all members of the community. The selection of civil defence personnel both for the three buildings in question and all other civil defence functions must be solely on the basis of their expertise and usefulness to the community in an emergency situation.
So far as volunteers are concerned, for example scientific advisers, every effort will be made to ensure that these come from all sections of the community.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of the three proposed new nuclear shelters; and from what vote the necessary funds will come.
§ Mr. ScottThe cost of the three proposed civil defence control centres is expected to be in the region of £7 million spread over several years. The project will be funded from the Northern Ireland law, order, protective and miscellaneous services Vote.