§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when was the most recent study carried out by his Department into evacuation in wartime and the likely efficacy of the Government's civil defence policy; and if he has any plans for future studies.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWe keep this matter under continuous review.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if United States Government representatives will be involved in liaising on details of the implications of the United States-United Kingdom lines of communication agreement for the forthcoming home defence exercise in region 10, to be staged in November.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThis agreement does not come within the scope of the exercise.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for future regional civil defence or home defence exercises involving local authorities and regional emergency committees.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a Question from the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang) on 30 June at columns369–70. There are no specific plans at present for subsequent exercises, but we intend that as planning progresses exercises will be a regular activity for these organisations.
542W
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the progress of the construction of the home defence headquarters for region 81, North Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawYes. A site has been chosen, although construction has not yet started.