HC Deb 19 November 1985 vol 87 cc162-3W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is given to his Department's civil defence planners about the consequences for managing hospitals in times of war of the requirements of the joint United Kingdom/United States logistic plan for hospitals to give priority to United States military casualties.

Mr. Whitney

[pursuant to his reply, 11 November 1985, c. 96]: Existing guidance on the management of hospitals in time of war is contained in Home Defence circular 77/1. This does not include reference to the United States/United Kingdom lines of communication arrangement.

It is hoped to promulgate new guidance soon and NHS planners are amongst those recently consulted on a revised draft.

The United States/United Kingdom lines of communication arrangement does not require priority to be given to US military casualties. The priority given to all casualties will be based on medical opinion at the time.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals will be required to discharge their patients in order to receive United States military casualties if the current United States/United Kingdom lines of communication agreement is implemented in wartime.

Mr. Whitney

[pursuant to his reply, 11 November 1985, c. 96]: In a period of transition to war health authorities, if so directed, will be required to curtail admission of all but emergency cases and will arrange for patients whose retention is not medically essential to be sent home. The purpose of this will be to free hospitals to deal with civilian and military casualties. The latter may include US Service personnel.