HC Deb 24 July 1986 vol 102 cc377-8W
18. Mr. Neil Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from local authorities about the implications of his Department's civil defence planning assumptions for the implementation by local authorities of the Civil Defence Regulations 1983.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The Department has received comments on the Government's planning assumptions from a total of 46 local authorities (11 county and 35 district councils). Of these, 13 authorities (six county and seven district councils) have sought grant-aid for local planning assumptions studies.

20. Mr. Franks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest assessment of the extent to which local authorities are implementing the Civil Defence Regulations 1983.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Terlezki) on 22 July announcing our proposals for a planned programme for implementation of the Civil Defence Regulations 1983.

26. Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the light of the Chernobyl disaster, he will take steps to ensure that all local authorities comply with all the requirements of the Civil Defence Regulations 1983.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The Government's review of contingency arrangements in the light of Chernobyl will include the role of local authorities. I would again refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Terlezki) on 22 July.

41. Mr. Terlezki

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy, in implementing the provisions of the Civil Protection in Peacetime Act 1986, to require all local authorities to prepare local evacuation and relocation plans and to expedite local shelter surveys; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The Civil Protection in Peacetime Act 1986 imposes no specific requirements on local authorities but will allow them to use their civil defence resources more flexibly in responding to peacetime emergencies. Advice on its implications is included with our proposals for a planned programme of implementation of the Civil Defence Regulations 1983. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 22 July.

59. Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions his Department has had with those local authorities who are still refusing to implement the 1983 Civil Defence Regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Terlezki) on 22 July. I am not aware of any outright refusal to implement the 1983 regulations, but we are considering representations from three authorities on the withholding of civil defence grant for failing to submit their civil defence plans as required by my right hon. Friend.